Firings watch.

DJ Durkin, University of Maryland football coach.

This is a long and complicated story that I’ve only been paying a little attention to. The short version is that one of Durkin’s players, Jordan McNair, died of heatstroke during a practice in late May. Durkin was suspended while the university conducted an investigation:

…investigators found disturbing things about the program under Durkin’s leadership, including instances of bullying and humiliation by strength coach Rick Court. It also concluded that players did not feel comfortable going to Durkin with issues. But it also said the school had a dysfunctional athletic department that did not serve Durkin well in his development as a first-time head coach.

The university initially decided, earlier this week, to retain Durkin. But (as I read the coverage) this decision was made under pressure from alumni and boosters, and prompted a revolt among students and members of the football team.

Longer, more detailed timeline from ESPN.

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