Durkin at ’Bama

Former Maryland football coach DJ Durkin has been working at Alabama in a “consultant-like capacity” for the past week, according to a report on AL.com.

Former Maryland coach DJ Durkin has been working with Alabama Coach Nick Saban’s program in a “consultant-like capacity” for the past week, according to a report published Thursday on AL.com. Durkin, 40, was fired Oct. 31, one day after being reinstated by the University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents following nearly three months on paid administrative leave. Durkin lost his job in the aftermath of offensive lineman Jordan McNair’s death in mid-June and allegations of a “toxic” culture in the way he ran the football program during his 2 1/2-year tenure at Maryland. Neither Durkin nor a spokesman for Saban could be reached for comment. Durkin’s attorney, Jeffrey Klein, declined comment. Since Maryland announced Durkin was fired without cause, he was to receive the $5.4 million owed to him as part of his buyout. Durkin’s presence in Tuscaloosa, Ala., comes as Michael Locksley, the Tide offensive coordinator who was hired last week to be Maryland’s new coach, returns to Alabama to prepare the team for its Dec. 29 College Football Playoff semifinal against Oklahoma. Locksley, who has spent the past week talking to current Maryland players, recruiting and building his staff, will finish his duties as offensive coordinator for the top-seeded Crimson Tide.