The Maryland Terrapins appear to be closing in on hiring a new head coach, and it isn't Mike Leach. Connecticut coach Randy Edsall is reportedly the leading candidate to take the position after meeting with some members of the search committee on Sunday.
Chick Hernandez of CSN Washington is reporting that it's close to a done deal.
UCONN HC Randy Edsall is in Maryland. Meeting with some members of search committee. Barring major setback, look for him to be New HC at Maryland.
Eric Prisbell of the Washington Post is reporting that Edsall is merely the "leading candidate" for the position right now, and that Leach's candidacy has faded in the past 48 hours, in large part due to concerns about his past.
Leach, 49, had an 84-43 record in 10 seasons at Texas Tech, including 10 bowl appearances and an 11-2 finish in 2008. His prolific "Air Raid" offense made for high-scoring games and an exciting brand of football, something that could arouse a diminished fan base at Maryland.
But throughout the search process, there has been a faction at Maryland that has opposed Leach's hiring, citing concerns about certain aspects of his recent history, several sources close to the athletic department said.
Edsall, meanwhile, compiled a 74-70 record in 12 seasons at Connecticut, leading the Huskies to two Big East titles, including this year. The Huskies played in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday night, losing 48-20.