Maryland Interim Coach Matt Canada Sends Letter to Team, Players React to DJ Durkin's Firing

Interim head coach Matt Canada wrote that the team "will continue to honor Jordan [McNair]."

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Maryland interim coach Matt Canada sent a letter to players and their families one day after the university fired head coach DJ Durkin.

Canada wrote that the coaching staff is "extrememly proud" of how the team has "persevered and come together through significant adversity" and met with the players Thursday morning.

"Our pledge to them, and to you, is to continue to do exactly what we have been doing these past twelve weeks," Canada said. "We will stick together. We will lean on each other. We will continue to honor Jordan."

Offensive lineman Jordan McNair died on June 13, two weeks after collapsing from a heatstroke at a team workout. McNair's passing sparked a deeper look into the program after a report of a culture of intimidation, fear, and abuse surfaced. The university placed Durkin on administrative leave on Aug. 11 and opened an investigation into his football program.

Despite finding that the program had "several failures," the board of regents still recommended to reinstate Durkin Tuesday, which the univesity accepted. Public backlash was widespread, leading Maryland to fire Durkin Wednesday night.

After university president Wallace D. Loh announced the move in a statement, several Maryland players responded to the news on social media.

Offensive lineman Ellis McKennie, who was also a former high school teammate of McNair’s, was one of the first Terps players to speak out as the news broke.

It’s crazy what a little pressure will do.

— Ellis McKennie (@ellismckennie) October 31, 2018

ITS NEVER THE WRONG TIME TO DO WHATS RIGHT!

— Ellis McKennie (@ellismckennie) October 31, 2018

Pressure busts pipes doesn’t it??

— Tre Watson Sr. (@MDQue_33) October 31, 2018

Most certainly does! Don’t let anyone tell you your voice doesn’t matter! https://t.co/WythWS6Atc

— Ellis McKennie (@ellismckennie) October 31, 2018

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it's the presence of justice" pic.twitter.com/9zzJqsXXyq

— Michael Cornwell (@mikecorn5) October 31, 2018

As players we had very little control over any decision that was made, and they were all made with terrible timing ! Which makes it hard for me to believe that the best interest of the team was in mind at all throughout this whole process. But we will be fine !

— DJ (@_DjTurner1) November 1, 2018

Offensive lineman Johnny Jordan spoke to members of the media Wednesday night.

"I definitely did want justice for Jordan," he said. "I think that the right decision was made for justice for Jordan and for everything to be easier for us as players."

Maryland OL Johnny Jordan speaking pic.twitter.com/jBlEFXXWRl

— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 1, 2018

McKennie voiced his disappointment earlier this week when the board announced their recommendation, as did several of his Terps teammates. The junior lineman was also one of three members of the Maryland football team to reportedly walk out of the team meeting Tuesday after learning that head coach DJ Durkin would be returning.

These past 5 months have been the most difficult times of my life and I’ve learned a lot. The people who stuck with me through it all I will be forever grateful to. Those who didn’t, thanks for the “support.” Justice for Jordan has been served. #JordanStrong #79Forever pic.twitter.com/f1pd1jaIkp

— Johnny Jordan (@johnnyjordan55) November 1, 2018

Every Saturday my teammates and I have to kneel before the memorial of our fallen teammate. Yet a group of people do not have the courage to hold anyone accountable for his death. If only they could have the courage that Jordan had. It’s never the wrong time to do what’s right. pic.twitter.com/AaZVmLGTtS

— Ellis McKennie (@ellismckennie) October 30, 2018

Bruh you know I’m right here with you. Accountability is something people apparently struggle too much with and yet it doesn’t hurt them, but it comes right to us and led to the position we’re in today https://t.co/HoYkAWljJ5

— Tre Watson Sr. (@MDQue_33) October 31, 2018

At the end of the day, a YOUNG life was lost. My brother, teammate. And to boil it down to even horrific matters, a paycheck was chosen over that life. Through whatever and forever, I live for Jordan Martin McNair. https://t.co/YX18QH6Pl5

— Ty (@tyranjhunt) October 31, 2018

Situation doesn’t sit right with us but just know we play for you... miss you fam #JM79Forever ♥️ pic.twitter.com/PeSE8RD0CZ

— Kenny (@KennethBennett_) October 31, 2018

Offensive coordinator Matt Canada will remain as interim head coach until the university replaces Durkin.