Maryland parts ways with DJ Durkin

Maryland has parted with ways with head coach DJ Durkin, a day after he was reinstated to his position, university president Wallace D. Loh confirmed in a statement.

Rick Maese of The Washington Post was the first to report the story.

Durkin was placed on administrative leave on August 11 following reports that the team has developed a toxic culture under his watch.

Maryland offensive lineman Jordan McNair died on June 13 after suffering a heatstroke during a May 29 workout. McNair's family was furious with the decision to reinstate Durkin, while several members of the team walked out during a meeting with the head coach following his reinstatement Tuesday.

"The chair of the Board of Regents has publicly acknowledged that I had previously raised serious concerns about Coach Durkin's return. This is not at all a reflection of my opinion of Coach Durkin as a person. However, a departure is in the best interest of the University, and this afternoon Coach Durkin was informed that the University will part ways," Loh wrote.

"This is a difficult decision, but it is the right one for our entire University. I will devote the remaining months of my presidency to advancing the needed reforms in our Athletic Department that prioritize the safety and well-being of our student-athletes."

Maryland governor Larry Hogan released a statement Wednesday, saying that he was deeply troubled by the lack of transparency from the university's Board of Regents, after Durkin was reinstated. The board made a recommendation to reinstate Durkin on Tuesday, and the decision was made shortly thereafter. Hogan also said the university let the state down and demanded it would be held accountable.

The university accepted legal and moral responsibility for McNair's death in August. An independent investigation found the university culpable in McNair's death during a September investigation