Just to catch up on where we're at with the abruptly impending coaching search at Maryland: Ralph Friedgen has, in hilarious language, been told "he cannot coach the team" next year. He still hasn't indicated whether or not he'll accept his athletic department overlords' orders to retire, which could mean new AD Kevin Anderson's about to have a standoff on his hands. He's told his team he'll coach the Terps in the Military Bowl. And now, fans of pirates and lots of points, rejoice: Washington Post, who so recently and memorably whiffed on the non-hiring of Gus Malzahn at Vanderbilt, is carefully citing three (3!) sources saying Maryland is chasing Mike Leach to replace Friedgen. Our colleague Spencer Hall summed it up succintly this morning: "Friedgen was named the ACC Coach of the Year in November, and will be fired after the bowl game because he refuses to retire." Never say the Terps won't be prepared spiritually for the cutthroat reign of the Dread Cap'n of Division I-A.
The key figure in the shakeup appears to be Maryland trustee Kevin Plank (so many Kevins!), who could feasibly be set on finessing his alma mater into an east coast answer to Phil Knight's Nike fiefdom at Oregon:
Reports: Mike Leach Is Maryland’s First Choice To Replace Ralph Friedgen As Football Coach
As for the search for Friedgen’s replacement, there is mutual interest between Leach and Maryland, according to three sources, two of whom are close to Maryland and one of whom is close to Leach. Leach is said to be very interested in the job. He has a strong relationship with Kevin Plank, a former Maryland football player who sits on the school’s board of trustees and whose apparel company, Under Armour, is the outfitter for the school’s athletic teams.
When reached by phone Friday, Leach said he had yet to be contacted by Maryland.
Ah, yes, but that was Friday, and lo! A press conference is set for 3 p.m. EST Monday afternoon to discuss the Terps football program!
SB Nation’s Testudo Times reacts to the gathering storm:
Doesn’t really matter, of course, because Maryland has the right to buy out his contract regardless. Still...“firing” Fridge? Yikes. That’s not going to go over well in the media and/or history. Was hoping he’d be able to see that he’s not doing anyone - particularly Maryland - any good with this. He should be careful not to dissolve the goodwill here.
Still, part of me admires Friedgen. He’s got guts. If they’re going to get rid of him, he’s going to make them call it what it is.
For more news and discussion of Maryland athletics, visit SB Nation DC and Testudo Times.
