COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- One year after expressing its
faith in him with a two-year contract extension, Maryland fired football coach Ron Vanderlinden.
After guiding the Terrapins to a 5-6 mark in 1999, Vanderlinden
was rewarded with an extension that was supposed to see him
through to the 2004 season. A three-game winning streak had
Maryland on the verge of a bowl appearance this season before
the Terps dropped their last three games, including Saturday's
35-22 home loss to Georgia Tech, resulting in another 5-6
campaign.
"After a comprehensive review of the football program, it has
been determined to be in the best interests of the university to
make a change at this time," Maryland athletic director Deborah
A. Yow said. "We appreciate the many positive contributions
coach Vanderlinden made to this program during his four-year
tenure. However, a change of leadership was determined to be
necessary in order for the Maryland football program to reach
its potential."
Vanderlinden, 44, posted a 15-29 mark in his four seasons at
College Park and took considerable pride in the progress he made
during his tenure.
"I know that a solid foundation has been laid," Vanderlinden
said. "And I'm sorry that I won't be here to be a part of the
future success. I have enjoyed my time here at Maryland and have
met many wonderful people and have had many positive
experiences. I wish the university, the football program and my
successor the very best."
A committee of two university administrators, two athletic
department professionals and two faculty members will begin a
search for Vanderlinden's replacement.
Before coming to Maryland, Vanderlinden helped turn around the
programs at Colorado and Northwestern as an assistant. He
started his coaching career at Bowling Green in 1978 and went to
Michigan for two seasons as a graduate assistant before heading
for Colorado.
Copyright 2000 SportsTicker Enterprises, L.P.