After it was revealed disgraced former Maryland Terrapins head coach DJ Durkin spent time with the Alabama Crimson Tide this week, Alabama head coach Nick Saban released a statement clarifying Durkin’s involvement with the team.
“DJ Durkin is spending a few days with our staff in Tuscaloosa from a professional development standpoint,” Saban said, via Yahoo Sports. “He has not been hired in any capacity at (Alabama). He is imply observing our operation as many other coaches have done through the years.”
Durkin was fired on Oct. 31 by Maryland after the student body and Jordan McNair’s father blasted the program for bringing him back.
Maryland previously retained Durkin as head coach after an indefinite suspension in which he and his coaching staff were investigated for a reported ‘toxic coaching culture’ that played a role in the death of 19-year-old offensive lineman Jordan McNair.
Alabama’s decision to bring on Durkin, even for a few days, was certain to draw criticism.