10 coaching candidates to replace D.J. Durkin at Maryland

With the University of Maryland firing D.J. Durkin one day after reinstating him, it opens up an intriguing job at a program that’s underachieved for decades. There’s plenty of talent in a small radius around College Park, Maryland, but the program hasn’t won 10 games since 2003 and hasn’t won a bowl game since 2010. (Both of those were under former coach Ralph Friedgen.)

Here’s a look at realistic candidates to replace Durkin. (Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley isn’t listed. He’s a former Terps assistant and is well connected in the DMV. But the off-field issues that accompanied his tenure at New Mexico, where he went 2-26, make him unlikely.)

The big question here is who is making the hire. Does the uncertainty give Under Armour’s Kevin Plank a chance to assert himself more into the program? He’s been relatively hands off recently, but Maryland can’t get out of its own way.

1. Charlie Strong, USF – He’s a proven winner, a familiar brand and could rally the high school coaches there. Would need a strong offensive coordinator and some plugged in local recruiters. He has the right demeanor and experience to handle a delicate situation. He’s quietly gone 17-3 in two seasons at USF.

2. Dino Babers, Syracuse – Maryland fans recall the 48-27 shellacking that Babers put on them while at Bowling Green. Babers getting Syracuse into the national rankings for the first time in 17 years thrusts him into the conversation. His offense would give Maryland a much-needed identity. The success he’s had recruiting that area at Syracuse shouldn’t be overlooked.

3. Ryan Day, Ohio State – His 3-0 interim stint was the final résumé boost he needed. He’s a Chip Kelly disciple with deep East Coast roots from stints at Boston College and Temple. In a down year without much movement, could he do better?

4. Tony Elliott, Clemson – The most proven assistant coach in college football has excelled calling plays, developing quarterbacks and recruiting. Lack of head coaching experience would be a factor in such a sensitive situation.

5. Ken Niumatalolo, Navy – This would be a home run, as Niumatalolo checks so many boxes. He’s a winner, is universally respected and resonates in the local market. Would Maryland administrators embrace Niumatalolo’s unconventional offense?

6. Mike Norvell, Memphis – He’s entered the season as the top Group of Five guy on the board, and his offense would excite recruits locally. Is he better off waiting for a job that isn’t in the same division as Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan and Michigan State?

7. Greg Schiano, Ohio State DC – His miraculous tenure at Rutgers gives him credibility in the region and the head coaching experience to handle the task. Would the ghosts of Tennessee follow him here? Or would his local reputation outweigh any potential bad publicity?

8. Jason Candle, Toledo – He won the MAC title last season, which is typically a springboard to a bigger job. Sparkling reputation, head coach experience and high-end offensive acumen is a strong combination.

9. Mike Houston, James Madison – He’s 34-4 at James Madison with a national title and a runner-up showing. He’s respected locally, won big and would bring credibility. Is that enough to move the needle in the Big Ten East?

10. Geoff Collins, Temple – He went 7-6 in Year 1 and deserves credit for positive vibes around the program with creative off-field ideas. Collins’ personality would work well in that area, as he has the recruiting chops to dig into the DMV area. Temple trounced Maryland head-to-head this year and has rebounded from a slow start to go 4-0 in the league.

(It’s worth noting that interim coach Matt Canada has led the Terrapins to a 5-3 record in his time filling in for Durkin, so he may be a viable coaching candidate for the future if Maryland wants to keep things simple.)

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