New Maryland football coach Randy Edsall has filled out much of his staff, but he still has not found an offensive coordinator. However, that could change soon. Gary Crowton admitted he is considering leaving LSU to accept a position as Maryland's offensive coordinator, according to a report in the Shreveport Times.
Crowton told the paper that Maryland has offered him a three-year contract worth about $500,000 a year during an interview on Wednesday. He agreed to the interview in part because of the uncertainty surrounding Les Miles' future as LSU's head coach. Miles eventually elected to stay with LSU instead of go to become Michigan's new head coach, but Crowton may still go to Maryland because of the financial benefit. Crowton has one year left on his current contract, which will also pay him $500,000.
Crowton told the paper that he has not yet made a decision and will sit down with his family to weigh the merits of moving to Maryland.
Crowton was a hot rising coordinator a few years ago, but has come under fire in recent years. LSU's offense has ranked near the bottom in the nation in both of the last two years, though that may have a lot to do with poor quarterback play. Miles seem to be vague about whether he would even want Crowton back next year, but Crowton insisted that he is not being pushed out.
SB Nation's Maryland blog Testudo Times writes that this could be a significant hire because it shows that Maryland is willing to spend to woo coaches away from even the best football schools.
Paying more for an offensive coordinator than LSU is big-time. Really, really big-time. In fact, it's so big-time that it makes me doubt it. This just feeds back into #1. Either this is a complete crock, he's massively exaggerating, or Kevin Anderson is making a serious commitment to Randy Edsall, one bigger than anyone imagined.