Scott Shafer has stepped down as Maryland's defensive coordinator, the program announced Friday.
“I want to thank DJ Durkin for the opportunity to be on his staff, but at this time I feel it’s best to step aside to tend to personal matters,” said Shafer in a statement. “I’m sincerely appreciative of his support and friendship.”
“I, along with the entire Maryland football family, will continue to support Scott in every way that we can,” added Durkin.
Shafer joined the Terps in December after a three-year run as Syracuse's head coach. Prior to that he had served as defensive coordinator at Western Michigan, Stanford, Michigan and Syracuse.
It is not immediately clear how Durkin will fill his defensive coordinator vacancy. Former Virginia head coach Mike London is on staff as associate head coach and defensive line coach, so that could be one option. It's highly possible Durkin, whose prowess as both Florida and Michigan's defensive coordinator, steps in as his own defensive coordinator this season while backfilling Shafer's spot on the staff.
We'll update you on The Scoop when we learn more.