Michigan defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin was expected to be named the next head coach of the Maryland Terrapins, and the university confirmed the news this afternoon.
"On behalf of the entire University of Maryland community, I am thrilled to welcome D.J., his wife, Sarah, and their children, Abigail and Luke, to College Park," said Director of Athletics Kevin Anderson in a statement. "We began this search looking for a candidate with qualities that aligned with our vision for the football program, and throughout the process it became clear D.J. was the perfect fit. He has had success at some of the nation's most preeminent football programs, is recognized as one of the top recruiters in the country and is widely respected as one the top young coaches across the college football landscape."
The Terrapins reportedly interviewed San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich, but they decided to stay in conference, taking Michigan's defensive coordinator.
Maryland fired head coach Randy Edsall midseason, and the Terrapins finished the year with a 3-9 record, putting them in last place in the East division of the Big Ten. The Terrapins were expected to interview former Georgia head coach Mark Richt, but he reportedly has many suitors after resigning as the Bulldogs head coach with a 9-3 record.
Richt will reportedly interview for the Virginia head coaching position, according to ESPN's Mark Schlabach. Richt stated that he has been contacted by about five schools, but is not sure what he is going to do yet, according to Vic Dorr Jr. of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The Cavaliers, who finished their season with a 4-8 record, are trying to bring in a big name coach like Richt this offseason.
Both Maryland and Virginia were at the bottom of their respective conferences, and while the Terrapins have found their next head coach, the Cavaliers are still searching. Virginia will try to lock up Richt as he will be one of the top-coaching candidates across the college football landscape.
Maryland fans are happy to get someone from both the Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh coaching tree, but he will now have to compete with his former mentors as they are all recruiting in the Big Ten East division.
