Reports: Friedgen will accept buyout

Published Dec. 18, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen will accept a buyout and not return for the 2011 season, according to multiple reports.

Friedgen was named the 2010 ACC Coach of the Year after leading Maryland to an 8-4 record.

Friedgen first learned of athletic director Kevin Anderson's intentions to buy him out early this week, according to InsideMDSports.com.

The statement sparked reports that Anderson would the 63-year-old coach to retire and take a buyout. Friedgen is slated to be paid $2 million next season.

On Sunday night, a person familiar with the situation says Friedgen has been told he won't be back next season, although at this point ''nothing is set in stone.''

'There is no resolution,'' said the person late Saturday night, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are still ongoing

According to reports, former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach is a possibility to replace Friedgen.

At one point this season, Friedgen was told he could return next season. Other candidates include former Washington coach Tyrone Willingham and current New Mexico coach Mike Locksley, according to ESPN.com.

After Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin accepted the head coaching job at Vanderbilt on Friday, Anderson was was asked whether he wanted Friedgen back in 2011 to complete the final year of his contract.

Anderson declined comment, and later said, ''Next week, everyone will understand where we're going.''

Maryland faces East Carolina (6-6) on Dec. 29 in the Military Bowl.

The Associated Press contributed to this report