The question isn’t whether Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen will be fired. Anyone who posts five losing seasons in seven years probably goes.
The real dilemma is what to do next.
Friedgen created unreal expectations in his first three years for any team not considered a football factory. It takes a Florida, Southern Cal or Texas to keep producing 31 wins over three years like Friedgen delivered when he arrived in 2001.
Terrapins fans suddenly felt entitled to success unseen around College Park since the early 1950s. Frankly, the Terps shouldn’t expect it again. Maryland needs to accept 8-4 and a decent bowl as realistic goals. The school won’t commit the millions of dollars to compete nationally, so target a coach like Paul Johnson, who left Navy to turn Georgia Tech into an ACC contender.
If Maryland is really ready to spend $5.5 million to buy out Friedgen’s final two seasons and not promote assistant James Franklin as the next head coach — sounds like Joe Krivak replacing Bobby Ross — then athletic director Debbie Yow will once more discover the challenge of finding the right coach.
The great part of Friedgen, and basketball coach Gary Williams, is they’re Maryland alumni. They care about the school. It’s not a stepping stone to a better job, it’s the job for them. Who else will feel that way?
Hiring mercenaries to elevate a team before moving on is common, though. The Terps will surely look for someone like Franklin — a young comer who will lure Maryland ticket holders into returning. Someone who fills Byrd Stadium with home fans instead of Virginia Tech visitors like two weeks ago. The over/under for attendance against BC for Fridge’s possible final bow is 10,000. Take the under.
The Terps desperately need a recruiter who can compete with Penn State, Virginia Tech and others poaching from the Baltimore-Washington corridor. There is enough local talent to win regularly, but the Terps never sign any of the big names anymore.
Friedgen can argue for another year by making massive staff changes. He has never effectively replaced former recruiting coordinator Mike Locksley, offensive coordinator Charley Taaffe and defensive coordinator Gary Blackney that helped Friedgen over the early years. The right recruiter alone might make the difference.
Yow desperately doesn’t want to fire Friedgen. The school really can’t afford it. But they can’t afford not to change coaches if fans won’t return.
It seems like an ungrateful exit for Friedgen, who delivered 66 wins and six bowls. But then, few ever leave sports in style.
For Maryland, it’s now Fear the Unknown.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
