Four people held up a large banner behind the Maryland bench that summarized the crowd: “Thank you coach Friedgen.”
Loyalty came to RFK Stadium on Wednesday in the form of a large send-off for fired coach Ralph Friedgen, who coached the Maryland Terrapins one last time in the Military Bowl.
More than 20,000 Terps fans came to Maryland’s 51-20 victory over East Carolina. It was a rocking house of 38,062 in the District’s third annual bowl — one that finally was blessed by good weather and inviting teams.
It could have been a wake for the embattled coach, who exits after 10 years at his alma mater. Instead, more fans than expected for a minor midweek bowl filled all but the end zones. It must have been guilt-riddled fans taking one last look at Friedgen. It was nearly triple last year’s actual bowl attendance.
Many Maryland supporters grew tired of Friedgen, especially after he had only three winning campaigns in the last seven seasons. Fans were spoiled after Friedgen won 31 games in his first three years in College Park, then became indifferent, as shown by waning attendance the past two years.
Incoming Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson was caught in a tough spot. With five assistant coaches leaving for Vanderbilt, Friedgen would have been left with half of his staff for the final year of his contract. Finding good replacement coaches for one season would be nearly impossible. Recruiting would be wrecked. It smelled of a desperate situation that the Terps couldn’t financially endure.
But Friedgen was also dismissed after being named the ACC coach of the year and guiding the Terps to a 9-4 record. He deserved to return for the last year of his contract. Then again, he deserved to be fired after going 2-10 in 2009.
Friedgen felt the school wasn’t loyal to him. But loyalty earned Friedgen the chance for redemption in 2010. Rarely does a coach or player leave thinking he received every day he wanted. Everyone feels cheated when a career becomes fleeting.
But at least Friedgen’s farewell showed life. When the Terps missed a short field goal, Friedgen waved his arm in disgust. Both sides of the stadium booed over a penalty from a fight on a kickoff.
The Terps’ defense showed passion against an ECU offense known to score nearly more than some basketball teams. Maybe it was the aura of playing the game at RFK (a terrific football venue) instead of expansive FedEx Field.
Maryland could have bagged the game just like Anderson bagged its coach. Instead, the Terps made it memorable. Fans chanted “Ralph! Ralph!” after scores.
Friedgen stood alone on the sidelines throughout the game. Maybe he just wanted to relish it all before being forced into retirement, before being forced to compete against fish biting on his hook.
Fear the Farewell?
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
