In response to last night's ESPN expose on treatment of players inside Maryland football, Terps AD Damon Evans announced Saturday head coach D.J. Durkin has been placed on leave amid a university investigation. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada has been appointed interim head coach.
The statement:
Dear Terps,
I am extremely concerned by the allegations of unacceptable behaviors by members of our football staff detailed in recent media reports. We are committed to fully investigating the program.
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. This is effective immediately. Matt Canada will serve as interim head coach.
The external review into the tragic death of Jordan McNair continues, and we have committed to releasing publicly the report being prepared by an independent and national expert.
The safety and well-being of our student-athletes is our highest priority. These alleged behaviors are not consistent with the values I expect all of our staff to adhere to and we must do better.
You will be hearing from me as our work continues to rebuild the culture of respect in our football program.
Damon Evans
Maryland president Wallace Loh followed Evans's announcement with his own statement, saying in a tweet he was "profoundly disturbed" by allegations against the Terps' program.
It was previously reported Saturday that head strength coach Rick Court, head football athletic trainer Wes Robinson and director of athletic training Steve Nordwall have also been placed on leave.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.