Alabama Crimson Tide

Saban: Alabama hasn't hired ex-Maryland coach DJ Durkin

Published Dec. 14, 2018 8:08 p.m. ET

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Former Maryland coach DJ Durkin is spending time with the Alabama football staff but hasn't been hired.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said in a statement Friday that Durkin "is spending a few days with our staff in Tuscaloosa from a professional development standpoint." Saban says Durkin hasn't been "hired in any capacity" but is observing Alabama's football operations as other coaches have done.

Durkin was fired Oct. 31 after an investigation into the death of Maryland offensive lineman Jordan McNair. Durkin faced allegations of bullying and intimidation by himself and one of his assistants. He spent more than two months on administrative leave while independent investigations were conducted into McNair's death and the culture surrounding the team.

Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley has been hired to replace Durkin at Maryland.