Maryland puts football coach DJ Durkin on administrative leave after the death of Jordan McNair, report on 'toxic culture'

University football coach in Maryland DJ Durkin was placed on administrative leave last Saturday after a pair of explosive media reports claiming doubts about players in his program.

Sports director Damon Evans announced the move less than 24 hours after three Durkin staff members were also placed on paid administrative leave while reviewing "safety procedures and protocols for athletes around" were attacked by a 19-year-old Jordanian McNair lineman's death attack in June.

McNair, a former McDonogh School champion, struggled to pass the team test on May 29 and failed. The Randallstown man died on June 13 at the R Adams Cowley Center Trauma Shock. A foundation founded by his family said he died of heat illness.

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The school announced that Matt Canada's new offensive coordinator would take over as the team's temporary coach.

Canada, 46, was in his first year in Maryland after being fired following the season as LSU attack coordinator.

Canada has never been a head coach. He was able to make his debut in three weeks when Terps played Texas on September 1 at FedEx Field.

Steps follow a pair of reports posted by ESPN today. McNair's physical deterioration is detailed during and after the conditioning test. Others claim "intimidation, shame and humiliation" by players by Durkin and other coaches.

A spokesman for the sports department refused to make Durkin or other staff placed on leave provided to comment on Saturday. Baltimore Sun cannot reach them freely.

Evans, in a letter to his employees, said he was "very concerned about allegations of behavior that were not acceptable to our football staff members that were detailed in recent media reports."

Wallace University President D. Loh said he instructed Evans to take this action to ensure the safety and success of our student athletes.

Loh said the university would retain external experts to conduct a "comprehensive examination" of the practice of coaching football programs "with the aim that this practice reflects - not grow - the core values ​​of our university."

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