Tar Heels Tricked. Maryland Pulls Off "Hidden Ball Trick"

Let's call in May Madness. The NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament had it's first round upset and it was between ACC rivals. Maryland defeated 8th seed North Carolina in Chapel Hill 13-6 to survive and advance.

The Terps useds the old hidden ball trick to halt the Heels.



Those of us at the OSG HQ are now hooked on NCAA Lacrosse.

Mark Turgeon's Decision: Maryland Or Texas A&M (UPDATED)

[HT: Foxsports.com]

Jeff Goldman at Foxsports.com is reporting that Texas A&M head coach Mark Turgeon will make a decision perhaps today as to whether he will accept an offer from Maryland to become the new head coach of the Terps or remain in College Station. http://jeffgoodman.yardbarker.com/blog/jeffgoodman/sources_maryland_offers_texas_a_ms_turgeon/4701678
According to Goldman Turgeon is leaning toward accepting it.

Why wouldn't Turgeon. Texas A&M is a football school and basketball will always be something to do in the winter time before spring football starts.

Basketball is the center of the Maryland universe, the way it was at Kansas when Turgeon was a point guard for the Jayhawks.

Turgeon would be in chargehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif of a top level program in the ACC. Plus I havhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife a feeling Maryland pays a lot better for it's basketball coach than Texas A&M.

More when we know it.

We know it...
2100 UPDATE: Goodman is now saying Maryland...

Chick Hernandez of CSNWashington is saying on his Twitter feed that there is a presser set for noon Wednesday for the Turgeon announcement...

DEVELOPING: No Brey, No Miller, Now Who...?

Arizona's Sean Miller signed an extension with his school.

"Sean and I have had many positive conversations and have been working on a revised contract for some time," Arizona AD Greg Byrne said in a statement. "I'm pleased to confirm that we have agreed to an amendment to Sean's contract that we hope will keep him in Tucson for many years to come."

Notre Dame's Mike Brey sent a four word text message to anyone willing to open up their phones this afternoon...

"No meetings. Go Irish!"

So, now who...???

Looks like Dickie V's favorite, Minnesota's Tubby Smith ((a Maryland native)), and Texas A&M's Mark Turgeon are out there now. Pitt's Jamie Dixon took his name out of the listing at the Las Vegas-run Nike clinic.

The HQ doesn't know if you can apply for the job on-line through the school's website, but AD Kevin Anderson might be interested.

If you hurry...

Gary Williams Hangs It Up...

((HT: CSNWashington))

First off, Chick Hernandez is reporting that Arizona's Sean Miller is at the head of the class to replace Williams at Maryland. The HQ's money would be on Notre Dame's Mike Bray...

But the larger issue is ducking out of whatever campus the new guy is coming from in early-to-mid May for the departing campus...

Everyone on campus is looking to fast-track the idea of naming the court after Williams.

Here's Part one of the good-bye, which was made as public a ceremony as they could...


Whaddya wanna bet the Maryland AD wasn't thinking he was going to hire both a football and a hoops coach within nine months of getting the job... Eh, Kevin Anderson...???

The one thing that shocks the HQ is Williams is 66...
That, we DID not know...
Go play golf and raise funds...

BREAKING: Gary Williams To Step Down At Maryland

The coaching carousal is spinning once again in the ACC. The University of Maryland has confirmed that Gary Williams is retiring as head coach of the Terps after 22 seasons.

"It's the right time," Williams said in a University of Maryland release. "My entire career has been an unbelievable blessing. I am fiercely proud of the program we have built here. I couldn't have asked any more from my players, my assistant coaches, the great Maryland fans and this great university. Together, we did something very special here."

As the top Terp Williams led Maryland to 14 NCAA tournament appearances, three ACC regular season titles, ACC tournament championships, seven Sweet 16's, two Elite Eights, two Final Fours and a National Championship in 2002.

Aside from winning the NCAA national championship in 2002, Williams biggest accomplishment at Maryland was returning the Terps as a force in the ACC after the painful incident involving the death of Len Bias that cast a pall over the program.

Those of us at the OSG HQ feel Williams will save on his dry cleaning bill since he won't be sweating through his suits any more.

Brother Wilkie interviewed and produced this feature on the out-going Maryland head coach last year. (Thanks ACC/Fox Sports South)

Yow: Williams "Sabotaged" Search, Gottfried Official Anyway...

Debbie Yow, the former Maryland athletic director and now NCState AD, is not happy at her old school and her old hoops coach...

At the presser where Mark Gottfried was introduced as the new court boss for the Wolfpack program, a reporter asked Gottfried about whether Yow had a reputation as being difficult to work with.

Yow said she had a "reputation of not getting along with Gary Williams, who has tried to sabotage the search. Come on, we all know that."

Oops...

Williams released a statement to the Baltimore Sun saying he hasn't talked to anyone connected to the N.C. State search and that anyone who says he did "isn't being truthful."

When is that first game with NCState and Maryland again...???

WRAL's Jeff Gravely got his one-on-one with Gottfried after the fireworks...
Self-created or otherwise...


Here's the presser in all of its uneditedness...
If you want to sift through 43 minutes of Q-and-A to find the bite...

Stage Show Profiles A First For Maryland FB

((HT: MyFoxDC))

This, the HQ filed under something cool...

The Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC is starting a show involving the recruitment and subsequent story involving the first black athlete that ever played for the University of Maryland football team in the 1960's...

The show's focus, Darryl Hill, talked to MyFoxDC about what we all missed
Until now...

Show Looks At First African-American to Play Football at University of Maryland: MyFoxDC.com

Maryland Wants To Break Into Oregon's Market Of Bad Fashion Taste

Since the Sultan of all things Sports Phil Knight took his Nike money and poured it into his alma mater's athletic department the University of Oregon, the football fashion world has never been the same.

Oregon has cornered the market in really bad football uniforms. (see picture)

Maryland is finding out its good to have alums in high places, especially when the founded athletic apparel companies.

Under Armour, who was founded by Kevin Plank a Maryland alum, is designing a new look for the Terrapins. Below is a sneak peek of what the University is considering.

The script "Terps" will be replaced on the helmet with "MARYLAND". The university believes the updated uniforms will help recruiting and a more clear identifiable brand.

"We want to make sure people understand we're the University of Maryland," athletic director Kevin Anderson told Jeff Barker of the Baltimore Sun

"Under Armour has helped us come up with new images to highlight the State of Maryland and the university," athletic director Kevin Anderson was quoted in the Baltimore Sun. "I truly believe that when we come out with a Maryland brand, it will be second to none. It will directly compete with Nike and what Nike does for Oregon."

When did really bad taste in football uniforms help recruiting? Penn State hasn't lost recruits with their plain uniforms in fact, it's their brand.

Edsall Is Now Maryland's Man, Officially Introduced In College Park

To me it seemed Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson was hell bent on hiring Mike Leach as the new head coach of the Terrapins. Going so far to say that Leach was a candidate the day Anderson announced Ralph Friedgen was fired.

Leach went through two interviews and by all reports those went well but he didn't get the gig. You have to wonder if Leach's baggage from Texas Tech and the perception of disrespecting authority was a factor. I just wonder if parents of potential recruits weren't all that thrilled with Leach coaching their sons and was a factor.

The job is Randy Edsall's now. For what I've been told Edsall really wanted this job. He flew all the way from Tempe, Arizona a day after Connecticut was defeated by Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl to go through the interview process. Obviously Edsall impressed because the job is his.

Maryland wanted to make a splash with this hire but instead it's barely a ripple. Edsall is a safe hire though, he there for the long term not improving his resume for one of the brand names to open up. Edsall's offense is similar to the kind Ralph Friedgen ran so the parts will be in place.

Edsall can recruit though. He got athletes to come to Storrs, Connecticut, selling Maryland won't be as tough. Let's see if Edsall can get the kids in the Baltimore - Washington to stay home or even make a dent in the talent rich Northern Virgina area that Frank Beamer has owned for 20 years.

Like I said it's a safe hire, one Maryland fans hopes pays off big time.

Photo Courtesy: Reuters

Here's the official introduction...
((HT: CSNWashington))

BREAKING: Randy Edsall To Maryland...Now with official confirmation

Randy Edsall//Courtesy: AP-umterps.com

((HT: CSNWashington))

From Chick Hernandez and his Twitter feed- barring something unforseen, UConn head coach Randy Edsall is meeting with the Maryland search committee, and the job vacancy would be his to fill if he wants it.

1415 UPDATE: Joe Schad is reporting that Maryland is having a team meeting tonight and that Edsall has, in fact, been chosen as head coach

More when we know more...

Well, we now know more. It's official per the Maryland Athletics website:

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Randy Edsall, who spent the last 12 years taking the University of Connecticut from Division I-AA status (now FCS) to five bowl games, including a BCS contest, has been named Maryland's head football coach, director of athletics Kevin Anderson announced Sunday evening.

Edsall, who will be introduced Monday during a news conference, guided the Huskies to a pair of BIG EAST Conference titles (2007, 2010) and postseason appearances in each of the last four seasons, including the 2011 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

The 2010 BIG EAST Coach of the Year has led the Huskies to eight or more wins in each of the last four seasons as the Huskies successfully made the ascent from Division I-AA.

Prior to his stint in Storrs, Conn., Edsall, a native of Glen Rock, Pa., spent one season (1998) as the defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech and four years (1994-97) as a defensive backs coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars who went from expansion team to the AFC Championship game during his tenure.

BREAKING: Maryland Plans To Offer Malzahn Job

Gus Malzahn/Courtesy: uspresswire-file

OSG Sports has learned that much to our surprise, the University of Maryland is set to offer Gus Malzahn their head coaching job.

Several sources close to the program indicate that Malzahn is the schools choice, though an official announcement hasn't been made. If he takes it, that announcement will be shortly thereafter. We thought Malzahn was set to take the Vanderbilt job just a couple of weeks ago, so him getting offered the job and accepting it may be two different things.

Obviously, Maryland would be a step above what Vanderbilt would have been and if Malzahn can be successful in College Park, he can be successful anywhere. We are all familiar with his success as an offensive coordinator and that made him one of the "Hot" coaching candidates on this years coaching carousel.

Maryland AD Kevin Anderson had been looking to make a "Splash" hire, and Malzahn would certainly fit that bill. We had speculated and thought Mike Leach would be his guy due to their previous associations, but he wouldn't quite be the "Splash" hire that Malzahn would.

Sure, we know Gus just got a big renewal deal at Auburn, but as we all know, in College Football deals like that don't mean much. We suspect if he is going to take the job, which we think he will, Auburn will not stand in his way.

When we find out about when the official announcement will be, we will be sure to let you know.

Leach To Interview At Maryland

[HT: Baltimore Sun]

Time for a shameless plug. If your a passionate Maryland Terrapin fan then Jeff Barker's blog in the Baltimore Sun is assignment reading. Barker's latest blog says that former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach is interviewing as soon as today for the Maryland job.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/maryland_terps/blog/2010/12/notes_on_friedgen_leach_and_the_coaching_search.html
Leach was the only name confirmed that was on the list of candidates of Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson. Anderson revealed that card in the press conference announcing the firing of Ralph Friedgen.

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Leach was on the College Park campus on Sunday.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/bs-sp-maryland-coach-search-20101229,0,6906670.story

It is OSG's opinion that Leach originally was the guy all along Anderson wanted however Gus Malzahn is gaining momentum as well. ESPN.com reported that Malzahn interviewed for the position last Wednesday and an announcement could be within 48 hours.

As long as Malzahn is in the mix his stock will rise. Malzahn is young, has a highly successful offensive system and would have an impact with all that young talent in the Terps staple. Malzahn would be a breakout star in the ACC.

Photos Courtesy: AP

Terps Win One For "The Fridge"

It doesn't matter what side of the fence your on concerning the firing of Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen but if your a Terrapin supporter it must have been great to see the Terps put a whoppin' on East Carolina in the Military Bowl.

Maryland crushed the Pirates 51-20.

CSN Washington's Chick Hernandez filed this report from RFK Stadium.



After the game outgoing coach Ralph Friedgen gives some insight on what the new coach can expect. (Thanks Baltimore Sun.com)

 

Finally Friedgen talks about the support he received from the Terrapin fans. (Thanks Baltimore Sun.com)

 

After the game Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith told CSN Washington's Chick Hernandez that he's going pro.



I've known Ralph Friedgen for six years and he is gruff but always gave you what you were seeking and gave you his time. There's no doubt he loves his players and the feeling is mutual. If Friedgen wants to coach again he will, he still has young lives to touch.

Who Wants The Maryland Job?

It appears their were three candidates for the University of Maryland head coaching job and all with innovative offenses.

First it appears SMU head coach June Jones was interviewed for the gig. The Dallas Morning News reporter that such conversation took place but according to Jones' agent Leigh Steinberg he has removed himself from consideration.

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/12/smus-jones-removes-himself-from-maryland.html

Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn appears to be in Maryland's crosshairs. Tuesday Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said he is not aware of any contact between Malzahn and Maryland.

(Thanks AlabamaLive.com)



Malzahn should be on Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson's list and should get strong consideration.

Mike Leach's name has been the most prominant connection to Maryland even before Ralph Friedgen's firing was official. During the news conference announcing the coaching change Anderson admitted publically that Leach was on the list.

Maryland definately wants to make a big splash on the college football scene with this hire. Going after coaches with proven and high powered offensive systems is what the powers that be at Maryland want.

We will keep you posted.

Emotional Friedgen Speaks

The Holiday's have been hell for Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen. It would be for anyone who loses the job they love and whose been successful.

Back in 2001 Ralph Friedgen put the paddles to the Maryland football program and revived it back from the dead. Then with the exception of last year's two win monstosity kept the Terps winning consistantly.

You know the rest of the story, new University president and athletic director comes in and changes happen.

Friedgen coaches his last game Wednesday against East Carolina in the Military Bowl in Washington, D.C. He spoke to the media for the first time since the firing Monday.

(Thanks Baltimore Sun)

 

BREAKING NEWS: Ralph Friedgen Is No Longer Maryland's Head Coach, Will Coach Military Bowl Game

Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson made it official, Ralph Friedgen has been bought out of his final year of his contract. That buyout is approximately two million dollars in guaranteed compensation and benefits.

“I sincerely thank and commend Ralph for his decade of good work as Maryland’s Head Football Coach as well as his and his wife Gloria’s efforts on behalf of his alma mater over the last ten years,” said Anderson said in a statement released by the University. “The decision to honor the financial terms of Ralph’s current contract, while moving immediately forward with a national search for the best coach to lead Maryland football into the future was not an easy one. I am confident it was the right business decision for our long term strategy to move Maryland Athletics from good to great.”

Anderson said in a press conference that the tipping point of the coaching change was James Franklin becoming the head coach at Vanderbilt. Anderson said that Friedgen would still be the head coach if Franklin stayed at Maryland.

Neither Anderson nor Friedgen felt a lame duck season was in the best interest of either party but a contract extension for Friedgen and bringing in a new coaching staff wasn’t happening.

“I wasn’t prepared and I wasn’t willing to do that.” Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson said at a news conference. “I was looking to move the program in a different direction but I wasn’t willing to give him [Friedgen] a contract extension.”

Throughout the press conference Anderson kept referring to this as a business decision and for the most part business was good on the field but the bottom line was suffering. The Terps played to less than capacity at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium on Saturday's and their were empty and unsold suites which is a cash cow to football programs.

“We are all concerned about that but the thing is is that I’m looking long term.” Anderson said. “If we do the right thing long term we are going to have people come and support the University of Maryland’s football program. A person in my position would take that into account but there were many things taken into account.”

Mike Leach has been rumored to already be in line to be the next head coach of the Terrapins. During the press conference the only thing about Leach the Maryland A.D. would admit is that he's on the list of candidates. Anderson wouldn't reveal who else is in play but hopes to have a coach in place by January 4th.

Friedgen will coach the Terps in the Military Bowl December 29th in Washsington, D.C.

Here's video of today's press conference. (Thanks CSN Washington)

BREAKING: Ralph Friedgen And Maryland Staring Each Other Down, Maryland Wins

If University of Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson is going to get rid of Ralph Friedgen as head football coach it's going to cost him.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/bal-ralph-friedgen-mike-leach-1219,0,3347164.story

The University has not come to an agreement with Friedgen to retire which will force Maryland to buy out his contract at roughly two million dollars. Maryland has already informed Friedgen he won't be back as head coach in 2011.

Sources have told OSG that Friedgen plans to coach Maryland's Military Bowl game against East Carolina December 29th.

A press conference is scheduled for 3:00pm today at the Comcast Center where Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson will discuss the football program. That's what the release from Maryland's Athletic Media Relations office said.

Orangebloods.com is reporting that Mike Leach will become the new head coach at Maryland. A source close to the situation told OSG Leach might be on the list but that's as far as its gone.

UPDATE:

Baltimore Sun sports writer Jeff Barker was a guest Monday on SIRIUSXM's College Football Playbook hosted by Jack Arute and Mike Leach. In his blog Barker writes that Leach would be interested in the Maryland head coaching job.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/maryland_terps/blog/2010/12/leach_i_would_talk_to_maryland.html

"I would talk to Maryland, and I would look at it and see what their goals and objectives are." Leach is quoted in Barker's blog.

Leach did go on to say he hasn't talked to any at Maryland.

Photo Courtesy: AP

Here's Leach commenting on the Maryland gig...
((HT: CSNWashington))


1500 UPDATE: Maryland is buying out Friedgen's contract, effective January 2nd, to include the roughly US$2-million remaining. Friedgen will coach the team in the Military Bowl.

Maryland's Athletic Department is paying for the buyout, AD Kevin Anderson maintains that no state funds will be used to pay the seven figures.

The jump of James Franklin to Vanderbilt necessitated the thoughts of buying Friedgen out. Anderson didn't think just having a head coach around for the final year of his deal could bring quality recruits and he feels the move is for the program's long-term success.

A national search begins immediately... Anderson maintains that no one has been contacted as of yet...

Friedgen On His Way Out At Maryland

Things are going down at the University of Maryland. Sources close to the situation tell OSG that head coach Ralph Friedgen and athletic director Kevin Anderson will meet Monday where it is expected that Friedgen will step down as head coach. It is Friedgen's wish to coach the Military Bowl December 29th against East Carolina.

Our sources did not confirm that Mike Leach is the new head coach at Maryland. Many outlets are reporting that Leach to Maryland is a done deal.

Here's a report from CSN Washington citing their sources.



It was generally thought that Ralph Friedgen saved his job as Maryland head coach going 8-4 this season however, it has become apparent that the powers that be wanted a divorce no matter how messy it is.

Kevin Anderson has only been on the job as Maryland athletic director for a short time. Anderson obviously believes he knows what is best for the football program and has decided it involves a radical change.

It's bad P.R. to force Friedgen out after the successful year Maryland had, one where Friedgen earned ACC Coach of the Year a few weeks ago.

It's even riskier to hire Mike Leach who, if you follow his track record at Texas Tech, has a problem with authority.

In the big picture college football is a business and while the product on the field this year was outstanding it didn't equate into a larger dollars. More that a few luxury suites at Byrd Stadium were empty, the stadium was half capacity at best for games and the fan base was apathetic.

For Terp fans, is this change you can believe in.

Friedgen is done, whether he retires or not

Ralph Friedgen/Courtesy: stesports.com

((ht: baltimore sun))

Yes, Brother Jon reported on the Joe Schad story Friday saying that Maryland is going to ask their coach, Ralph Friedgen to retire. That was only partially true.

Apparently, word comes today that he was told "You cannot coach the team next season". Yes, he still has been asked to "Retire", but he hasn't agreed to do it. If he doesn't, it appears Maryland will buy out the last year of his contract.

Call it semantics or whatever else you want, either way consider him done. Friedgen went 8-4 this season, coming off of last years 2-10 and Bottom of the Barrel designation.

Read more from the Baltimore Sun RIGHT HERE

Yes, the Sun is also saying the your early leader as a replacement would be the irrepressible Mike Leach. It makes sense, for all the reasons mentioned in the story. We don't for a second believe the Schad report mentioning Mike Locksley. While Maryland hasn't exactly handled this well, they, under no circumstance we could see....or understand, would go after Locksley, proud owner of 2 wins in two years at New Mexico.

****UPDATE ALREADY***Our friends at Orangebloods.com also report that Leach to Maryland is a done deal. Remember, Maryland AD Kevin Anderson already has said "Next week, everyone will understand where we're going".

Read Chip Brown's excellent article RIGHT HERE  

We do feel a bit badly for the Friedge, one of the good guys in coaching. We got the opportunity, albeit briefly, to interact with him when he was the offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech and he seemed like a pretty straight up guy. We wish him well.

Friedgen Asked To Retire...???

((HT: ESPN, Schad))

The first thing the HQ is going to say is: Consider your source...

But now that James Franklin is going to Vandy, there is talk according to Schad that Ralph Friedgen may be asked to retire and accept a buyout. Remember, the Terps saved a million bucks by not having to name Franklin head coach after all...

When Franklin jumped, AD Kevin Anderson was asked about Friedgen's future ((or lack thereof)), and he wouldn't bite. Three assistants are going with Franklin to Nashvegas as part of the deal.

The names that are giving Schad-enfreude are: Mike Leach, Tyrone Willingham, and Mike Locksley. All three are scaring the HQ into thinking that there HAVE to be better names out there than Locksley- at least.

Kevin Anderson, if you believe in higher powers: Mike Locksley...???

Make it stop before it begins...

More when we know more...
But, above all else, support yout Terps... and your troops...
((HT: MarylandAthletics))