Maryland Football: Ralph Friedgen Will Coach Terps in 2011

Since finishing last season with a dismal 2-10 record, a year in which the team lost its final seven games, Ralph Friedgen’s job as Maryland’s head football coach has been in limbo.

Following such an embarrassing season, former athletic director Debbie Yow left for North Carolina State and the the AD position was wide open. Reports then began to surface that the new AD, regardless of who was hired, would almost certainly have his or her own coach ready to come in for following the 2010 season.

Maryland then introduced Kevin Anderson as the university’s new athletic director and he was optimistic about Friedgen and the football program from day one.

Today, after watching Friedgen lead his alma mater to a surprising 7-2 record and a real shot at the school’s first ACC Atlantic Division title, Anderson announced that Ralph Friedgen will be the Terps' head football coach in 2011.

“Based largely on the improved performance of our team and student-athletes this season, Coach Friedgen will be our head football coach next year,” Anderson said in a statement released by the school. “Once this season is complete, Ralph and I will sit down to discuss the current state and future of the program. Right now, the team’s focus will be on winning the 2010 ACC Championship and a bowl game, which our coaching staff and student-athletes have put themselves in position to do. We hope our fans, students, and alums will come out and support us in the effort.”

Hate him or love him, Friedgen deserves a ton of credit for what he has done this season. As the water began to rise, Friedgen stayed calm and kept this team steered in the right direction. Not to mention, keeping a coach like Friedgen for his current salary is a great financial move by the new AD.

“I’m excited about the direction of our program,” Friedgen said. “We have a great of bunch of kids and a tremendous staff. I’m thankful for all the hard work they have put into this season. Right now we’re just concentrating on Florida State.”