Following in the footsteps of West Virginia and Pitt, Maryland is reportedly heading towards a bizarre coaching transition this offseason. Multiple reports surfaced on Friday indicating Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen will be asked to either retire or take a buyout and step down from his position.
Ralph Friedgen Reportedly Out At Maryland
The move reportedly came about after the departure of James Franklin, the Terps former head coach-in-waiting. The plan was for Friedgen to finish his contract and retire after the 2011 season, with Franklin stepping in as head coach. That all went out the window on Friday as Franklin was officially announced as the new head coach at Vanderbilt.
With only one year left on his contract, Friedgen was in limbo, as many head coaches nearing the end of their contract are, needing a definitive answer about his future to recruit effectively. Without the previously planned transition in place, the Maryland head coach reportedly asked for an extension, but was, apparently, denied.
First-year athletic director Kevin Anderson said Friedgen would finish his contract as head coach of the Terps just one month ago, only to see his succession plan crumble away with Franklin's departure. Speaking to reporters today, Anderson was less than committal about Friedgen's future.
“I will sit down and everybody will understand where we’re going and how we’re moving forward with the program,” Anderson said. “At this point in time, I’m not going to answer that question.”
Friedgen led the Terrapins to one of the more remarkable turnarounds in 2010, taking Maryland from a 2-10 record the year before to an 8-4 record this season. For his efforts, Friedgen was named the the 2010 ACC Coach of the Year.
Friedgen will reportedly coach the Terps in the Military Bowl on Dec. 29, despite being forced out.
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