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Despite struggles, Maryland Terrapins expected to keep Ralph Friedgen as coach
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Blacksburg, VA -- There has been talk among Virginia Tech Hokie fans about Frank Beamer possibly hiring Ralph Friedgen as offensive coordinator should Maryland fire him after what has been a disappointing season.
This scenario assumes that Maryland could afford to buy out the remainder of Friedgen's contract, but given Maryland's financial woes, it appears very unlikely the university can afford such a move.
Keep in mind that following last season Maryland named James Franklin, offensive coordinator, the successor to Friedgen once the Fridge's contract ends following the 2011 season.
If the Terps want to make an earlier-than-expected change at head coach, they will need to buy out the remaining two years of Friedgen's contract, valued at $4.5 million. Given the tough economic situation facing the state of Maryland, it would be hard for the university to justify spending that kind of money on a football coach, so expect the Terps to ride out the final two years of Friedgen's contract.
Attendance and season ticket sales have been on the decline for the last five seasons at College Park. Unless the Terps (1-4, 2-7) can turn things around in the next two seasons, expect the Fridge to be out in two years. If he's not, Maryland owes Franklin a cool $1 million per the "successor" contract given to him earlier this year.
Even if the Terps can the Fridge, there is still the issue of Beamer's loyalty to embattled offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring.
Many Hokie fans are calling for offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring's ousting in the wake of another statistically abysmal year. The offense touts a great deal of talent and experience, yet the Hokies rank 70th in total offense, thanks in large part to phenom freshman running back Ryan Williams, who is on pace to break every major freshman rushing record at the school.
During the past four seasons, the Hokies' offense has hovered around 100th out of 120 teams in Division I-A. During those season, while the offense struggled at times, Tech's defense generally helped out enough to push the team to consistent 10-win seasons. This year, however, the defense is struggling and the lack of offense is much more noticeable as evidenced by three losses.
Beamer and his team still have a shot at a sixth straight 10-win season if they can win their remaining three regular season games and then a bowl game.
If the Hokies tank their last three game and finish 6-6, expect there to be a lot of pressure on Beamer to sack or demote Stinespring and bring in a new offensive coordinator. If the Hokies win out and finish 10-3, don't expect any changes on the coaching staff. Not many programs in the country can boast five straight 10-win seasons.
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