Maryland to bring back Ralph Friedgen
Maryland Terrapins athletic director Kevin Anderson announced on Thursday 18 November that head coach Ralph Friedgen will be back with the club for the 2011 campaign.
Friedgen was originally expected to be relieved by offensive coordinator James Franklin next season, but considering the strong season Maryland is enjoying, Anderson decided it would be in the club’s best interests to retain the coach for another year.
2011 will likely be Friedgen’s last year as the Terrapin’s head coach, as Franklin must either take over the job or collect a million dollar buyout.
The Terrapins have surprised many this season, improving drastically from their 2-10 record from last year. This season the club has turned it around and currently sits at 7-3 with a 4-2 record against conference opponents.
Maryland’s record is good enough for second in the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Atlantic Division, as they only sit one conference game behind the division leader the Florida State Seminoles. Fortunately, the Terrapins next game is against the Seminoles and
if they are able to register a victory, they will take over top spot.
The Terrapins growth from last season is nearly unrivaled in the NCAA, as the squad has managed to move from the bottom of the ACC to the top with an opportunity to win the division and play for a conference championship.
Maryland is fortunate enough to play the Seminoles in week 12 and the North Carolina State Wolfpack, who are tied with the Terrapins in second, in week 13.
Moreover, Maryland has their final two games at home and if they are able to win out they will most likely qualify for a conference title, finishing at 9-3 with a 6-2 conference record.
Friedgen has been the head coach at Maryland for 10 years and is expected to remain with the team in an advisory role after Franklin takes over.
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