Anonymous Parents Worried 'Narcissistic Sociopath' DJ Durkin Will Return

Several parents of Maryland Terrapins football players spoke anonymously Tuesday about their fear that head coach DJ Durkin will retain his job.

According to The Athletic's Nicole Auerbach, one parent said, "We are worried that this narcissistic sociopath is going to come back. To me, he should never coach again."

Maryland placed Durkin on administrative leave in August amid an investigation into the culture he instituted within the program following the death of Jordan McNair. The 19-year-old offensive lineman died two weeks after collapsing from heatstroke during a team workout on May 29.

The decision to place Durkin on leave came after ESPN  published a report on Aug. 10 in which current and former players and staff members at Maryland alleged that Durkin created a "toxic" environment.

Instances of belittling, name-calling, harassment and emasculation were alleged in the report, and it led to the firing of strength and conditioning coach Rick Court.

One parent expressed concern that the investigation is for show rather than to truly determine whether Durkin went too far: "We're worried that it is all predetermined. That this is a whole charade meant to appease the people who feel like they have to say something."

The parents said they were told players had been pressured to defend Durkin during the investigation into McNair's death, and initially those in charge allegedly didn't contact the players who witnessed McNair's collapse.

In August, University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh announced that the school accepted responsibility for McNair's death after it was determined that the training staff did not follow proper protocol.

Auerbach noted that a "subset" of parents have expressed "unwavering support" for Durkin, creating a schism between those who back and oppose him.

During Durkin's absence, offensive coordinator Matt Canada has served as the interim head coach.

The Terrapins went just 4-8 under Durkin last season, but Canada has them off to a 4-2 start in 2018, which includes an upset win over the No. 7 Texas Longhorns, who have only one loss on the season.

One parent told Auerbach that with Canada at the helm, players are "not scared."