NCAA Football Coach to Return to Team Following Death of Player and Bullying Allegations

An NCAA football coach who has been on paid administrative leave since August following the death of a player will be returning to the sidelines after a board of regents recommendation.

And many of his players are outraged by the decision.

Following multiple investigations into the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair and allegations of bullying by the coaching staff, Maryland’s board has cleared DJ Durkin to return to the Terrapins.

When the team was informed of the decision with Durkin present, several players walked out of the meeting.

McNair’s parents and others are also upset with the USM board. “I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach, and somebody spit in my face,” said Marty McNair, Jordan’s father.

Several players also tweeted their displeasure with the decision.

At the end of the day, a YOUNG life was lost. My brother, teammate. And to boil it down to even horrific matters, a paycheck was chosen over that life. Through whatever and forever, I live for Jordan Martin McNair. https://t.co/YX18QH6Pl5

— Tyran Hunt (@tyranjhunt) October 31, 2018

Outgoing Maryland President Wallace Loh and athletic director Damon Evans were also both part of the investigation and they will retain their jobs as well.

“We are not saying people didn’t make mistakes. They each made mistakes and have acknowledged those shortcomings,” said Jim Brady, chairman of the USM board. “We are saying that, despite those mistakes, our judgment is that these individuals are best-placed to immediately carry out the reforms necessary to safeguard the well-being of student-athletes and help them be successful as individuals and as a team. We believe that [Durkin] is a good man and a good coach who is devoted to the wellbeing of the student-athletes under his charge. He is also at the beginning of his coaching career, with a great deal of promise and much still to learn. We believe he deserves the opportunity.”