Michigan Wolverines

Maryland hires Michigan assistant Durkin as head coach

Published Dec. 2, 2015 8:26 p.m. ET

foxsports

Trying to find a way to compete with the powerhouses in the Big Ten East, Maryland plucked its new coach off a rival's staff.

Maryland hired Michigan defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin on Wednesday to lead a program that bottomed out in its second season as a member of the Big Ten.

The 37-year-old Durkin is in his first season at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh. He led a defense that ranks fourth in the nation in yards allowed per game. Before working at Michigan, Durkin was the defensive coordinator at Florida for two years. He also is considered one of the best young recruiters in the business.

''We began this search looking for a candidate with qualities that aligned with our vision for the football program, and throughout the process it became clear D.J. was the perfect fit,'' Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson said in a statement. ''He has had success at some of the nation's most pre-eminent football programs, is recognized as one of the top recruiters in the country and is widely respected as one the top young coaches across the college football landscape.''

Durkin worked at Stanford under Harbaugh, too, and started his career as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green when Urban Meyer was the coach there. Durkin played linebacker at Bowling Green from 1997-2000.

Now, he'll have to compete against those two coaching heavyweights every year - along with finding a way to keep up with Michigan State and Penn State. It has never been tougher for Maryland to compete for a conference title.

''Maryland's commitment to excellence in the class room, on the field and in the community aligns with my principles of building an elite program,'' Durkin said. ''I look forward to bringing an exciting and successful brand of football to our passionate fan base and supporters.''

Durkin replaces Randy Edsall, who was fired midway through this season. The Terrapins finished 3-9, winning one game under interim coach Mike Locksley, the former offensive coordinator who was also considered for the job.

Maryland moved into the Big Ten last year after decades in the Atlantic Coast Conference and went 7-6 under Edsall. It was the second straight 7-6 record for the Terps, but this year they plunged and Edsall was let go after four-plus seasons.

Durkin, a Youngstown, Ohio, native, also served as interim head coach for Florida last season after Will Muschamp was fired and he led the team to a bowl victory. His defenses at Florida also rated among the best in the country.