Coach Randy Edsall observes the game from the sideline during the Terps’ 49-28 loss to then-No. 1 Ohio State on Oct. 10, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio.
More than seven weeks ago, the University of Maryland fired Terrapins football coach Randy Edsall. Since then, other schools have followed in the program’s steps by parting ways with their coaches — but some of them have already found replacements.
As of now, a vacancy remains in College Park. That doesn’t mean the rumor mill has dried up, though.
Quite the opposite, in fact.
Because a lot of reports have been flying in recent weeks, we’ve compiled a list of names that have been connected to the job to help you keep track.
Frank Reich
Resume includes: San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator (2014-present)
Notable: Overseeing a unit currently ranked sixth in yards per game
Any connection to Maryland? Certainly — he played quarterback for the Terps during the 1980s.
Thoughts: Reich, 53, hasn’t ever coached on the college level, which makes bringing him on board a bit riskier than taking on one of the other candidates. That being said, hiring an alumnus is a surefire way to get fans and boosters all “jacked up on Mountain Dew,” and Reich could serve as a strong mentor for future Terps signal-callers because he’s been under center here before. 247sports reports that Reich was interviewed this past weekend in Florida, where his team was taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mark Richt
Resume includes: Georgia head coach (2001-2015), Florida State offensive coordinator (1994-2000)
Notable: 145-51 in 15 years at Georgia, led team to a bowl game each season on the job
Any connection to Maryland?: Yep — he’s worked with this university’s senior associate athletic director, Damon Evans, when Evans was athletic director at Georgia.
Thoughts: Richt, 55, is suddenly on the market, despite leading the team to a 9-3 season. He’s still coaching the Bulldogs in their upcoming bowl appearance, and if they win, it’ll be the 10th time he records at least 10 wins in a season with the program. It seems his gaudy win percentage isn’t enough in the Southeastern Conference, but for the Terps — who haven’t won 10 contests since 2003 — his record would be quite welcome. According to The Washington Post, the Terps have contacted Richt to see whether he’d be interested in taking over. It may be a bit of a Hail Mary, but there’s no harm in at least giving it a shot.
Mike Locksley
Resume includes: Maryland interim head coach (2015-present); Maryland offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach (2012-2015); New Mexico head coach (2009-2011)
Notable: 3-31 as a head coach at New Mexico and Maryland
Any connection to Maryland?: Uh, yeah — see above.
Thoughts: The Washington Post reported Monday that Locksley, 45, was given his chance to audition for the full-time gig. So he’s at least in the mix. His record is, well, not great (that type of analysis is why you read Terps Watch), but he’s recruited a lot of big names, including 2016 prospect Dwayne Haskins Jr. Look for him to be back again next season. Whether that’s as headman or assistant, however, remains to be seen.
Pep Hamilton
Resume includes: Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator (2013-2015); Stanford offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach (2011-2012); Chicago Bears quarterbacks coach (2007-2009)
Notable: Oversaw a unit led by Andrew Luck
Any connection to Maryland?: Not the school itself, but he did play for nearby Howard University and is a noted recruiter in the DMV area.
Thoughts: Hamilton, 41, was ousted as the Colts’ offensive coordinator, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a worthy hire. Like Reich, he’s an ex-college quarterback, and for a program in dire need of some sparks on the offensive side of the ball, Hamilton could certainly supply it. Sports Illustrated’s Pete Thamel has written that Hamilton has been reached out to by the Terps, but it doesn’t sound like anything more has happened between the two sides. Maybe that changes this week.
D.J. Durkin
Resume includes: Michigan defensive coordinator (2015-present); Florida defensive coordinator, linebackers coach (2013-2014); Stanford defensive ends coach (2007-2009)
Notable: His Wolverines defense ranks in the top five in some of the NCAA’s most important statistical categories.
Any connection to Maryland?: No clear ones.
Thoughts: Durkin, 37, looks like one of the most likely people to step in as Maryland’s next head coach. According to a Yahoo! Sports report, he recently interviewed for the job, and it “went well.” Durkin has helped drastically improve Michigan’s defense in 2015, and after serving as a defensive coordinator at Florida and now Michigan, he could be ready to lead a Power Five school on his own.
