Maryland will hire Michigan defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin as its next head coach, sources told FootballScoop Wednesday. Sports Illustrated first reported the move.
At Maryland, Durkin's task will be tall: butt heads with Urban Meyer, Mark Dantonio, James Franklin and his former boss Jim Harbaugh on an annual basis while rebuilding a program that stands at 23-38 since Randy Edsall's hiring in 2011.
He will have advantages at his disposal, though. Durkin will have access to a prosperous recruiting territory in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, a new indoor facility is on the way, and the full support of Under Armour at his back.
But for a program not shy about its aim to become the Oregon of the East Coast, the Terps have broken away from the Ducks' offense-first mold and have instead bet on defense.
That's not to say Durkin won't succeed at Maryland, however. His resume and reputation in the profession solid indicators of a successful head coach.
Durkin, only 37, has compiled an illustrious resume as an assistant -- working for Harbaugh at Stanford, coordinating special teams and then defense for Will Muschamp at Florida, and then as Harbaugh's defensive coordinator in Ann Arbor this season.
Michigan ranked fourth nationally in total defense and sixth in yards per play this fall.
Durkin was named the FootballScoop Special Teams Coordinator of the Year for his work with Florida's special teams in 2012.
Once completed, Maryland will be the 10th FBS program to fill its head coaching vacancy.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.