Friday, the University of Maryland announced men’s basketball head coach Mark Turgeon and the school mutually agreed to part ways. Turgeon stepping down eight games into the season was a shocking turn of events.
According to the Washington Post, Turgeon started contemplating his future with Maryland shortly after Wednesday’s home loss to Virginia Tech.
A conversation between Evans and Turgeon regarding the coach’s future at Maryland began Wednesday night in an Xfinity Center hallway after the Terrapins’ loss to Virginia Tech. The pair continued talking through Thursday, according to a person with direct knowledge of the school’s decision, and by evening the sides were in agreement on a separation.
Turgeon walked into Maryland’s facility Friday and officially resigned. Despite not being fired, Maryland will honor his $5 million buyout. Athletic director Damon Evans named assistant Danny Manning the interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Maryland players were made aware of Turgeon’s departure during an emotional team meeting Friday afternoon just shortly after the coaching staff was informed, according to the Post. Not many within the program saw it coming.
Maryland fans have long clamored for Turgeon’s departure. Following the loss to Virginia Tech, Turgeon and the Maryland team were booed as they walked off the court. Maryland had honored the late Len Bias throughout the night. Losing a game the Terrapins were expected to win didn’t sit well with fans and a culmination of years of emotion seemed evident.
Turgeon entered the season with a new contract extension that was set to keep him leading the program through 2025-26. Maryland started the year ranked number 21 in the Associated Press.
Coming off a Round of 32 appearance last year, Turgeon received an extension and brought on a group of transfers led by Rhode Island transfer Fatts Russell and former Georgetown center Qudus Wahab.
However, the Terrapins suffered an upset loss at home to George Mason. Then loss in the Bahamas to Louisville. Wednesday’s loss at home to Virginia Tech dropped the Terrapins to a 5-3 record.
Turgeon compiled a record of 226-116 in 11 seasons at Maryland.
