Herman: I’m not source

Texas coach says he wasn’t source in report that led to Urban Meyer’s leave.

Texas coach Tom Herman said Saturday that a report on Facebook that he was the one who alerted sports reporter Brett McMurphy about domestic violence allegations against fired Ohio State assistant coach Zach Smith was “absolutely untrue.”

In a story posted Saturday on the social media site, Jeff Snook, a published author with deep Ohio State ties, claimed that Herman was the one who told McMurphy about Smith’s past. It was sparked by Herman’s anger over losing receiver Garrett Wilson to the Buckeyes, Snook claimed.

“It is absolutely untrue,” Herman told the American-Statesman via a spokesman Saturday. “Neither I nor anybody in my family has ever communicated with Brett McMurphy about the situation at Ohio State.”

Michelle Herman, Tom’s wife, tweeted Saturday, “Nope, wasn’t me either!”

McMurphy tweeted Herman was not his source. McMurphy’s initial reporting led to Smith being fired and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer being placed on administrative leave. The school is investigating what Meyer knew about alleged incidents involving Smith and his ex-wife, Courtney.

“For those who have asked for my response to Jeff Snook’s claim Saturday: ’I have never revealed my sources in my nearly four decade journalistic career & I am not going to start now. However, I will say unequivocally that Tom Herman was not my source,’ ” McMurphy tweeted.

In an email to the Statesman, McMurphy said, “Too bad Snook didn’t contact me.”

Herman was the offensive coordinator at Ohio State from 2012 to 2014, and the Buckeyes won the 2014 national title. Since becoming the UT head coach in 2017, Herman has battled Meyer and his staff tooth and nail for several top-flight recruits, including Wilson.

Maryland places Durkin on leave: Maryland placed coach DJ Durkin on administrative leave while the school scrutinizes allegations of poor behavior by the staff, apparent misdeeds that came to light following the death of a player on the practice field. In an open letter, athletic director Damon Evans wrote: “At this time, the best decision for our football program is to place Maryland Head Football Coach DJ Durkin on leave so we can properly review the culture of the program.” Offensive coordinator Matt Canada will serve as interim coach.

Earlier Saturday, Rick Court, the head of the football team’s strength and conditioning staff, was placed on paid leave while the school investigates claims he verbally abused and humiliated players.