The University of Maryland fired its head football coach, DJ Durkin, on Wednesday evening, the school announced.
Durkin’s ouster comes just one day after he was reinstated.
“Since returning to campus after yesterday’s press conference, I have met with the leadership of the Student Government Association speaking on behalf of numerous student organizations…,” UM president Wallace D. Loh said in a statement, according to ESPN.
“The overwhelming majority of stakeholders expressed serious concerns about Coach DJ Durkin returning to the campus,” the statement continued. “…a departure is in the best interest of the University, and this afternoon Coach Durkin was informed that the University will part ways.”
Loh also announced his own retirement from the school, effective June 2019.
Durkin was “surprised” by Loh’s decision, ESPN reported. The embattled coach of the Terrapins was on administrative leave since Aug. 11 when investigations into into the football program began in the wake of 19-year-old offensive lineman Jordan McNair’s May 29 death from heatstroke.
“We feel gratified that some justice has been done, that Dr. Loh took it upon himself to do the right thing,” Marty McNair, Jordan’s father, told SportsCenter on Wednesday night.
The University’s decision to reinstate Durkin on Tuesday was met with student, parent, politician and even athlete protests. Because Durkin was not “fired for cause,” he is owed 65% of what remains on his contract — about $5.5 million.
Maryland is 5-3 heading into Saturday’s home game against Michigan State.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
