Well this is certainly a bit of an unexpected development, if only for the timing.
In a press release Thursday, Maryland announced that the football program and defensive coordinator Brian Stewart have “mutually agreed to part ways.” Any reason either of the two sides decided to go Moses on the relationship was, obviously, not specifically stated.
“We appreciate Brian’s contributions to our program over the past three seasons,” said a statement from head coach Randy Edsall. “Brian played an integral role in developing our student-athletes both on and off the field during his time at Maryland. While overseeing the defense he helped elevate our program to compete in one of the nation’s premier conferences. In our conversations, we both felt this was the best course of action for Brian and his family, and the Maryland football program. I wish Brian the best in his future endeavors.”
Stewart had spent the past three seasons as the Terrapins’ coordinator. In those three seasons, the Terps regressed defensively every year, falling from 21st nationally in total defense in Year 1 to 44th to bottoming out at 97th this past season, the program’s first in the Big Ten.
“I truly enjoyed working with the coaches, student-athletes and administration at the University of Maryland,” Stewart said. “It was an exciting time to be a part of this program, and I will always have great memories and relationships from my time in College Park. After talking with my family and then meeting with Randy, we both agreed that this was best direction moving forward. I would like to thank Randy for the opportunity to coordinate the defense for the past three seasons. I also want to express my appreciation to the defensive staff and players for their hard work and commitment to the football program.”
With Stewart out, he will be replaced by Keith Dudzinski. A four-year veteran of the Terps coaching staff as inside linebackers coach, Dudzinski will have coordinating responsibilities for the first time at the FBS level.
He was, though, the coordinator at UMass (2004-10) and Northeastern (2003).
“Keith is an accomplished coach who has a strong history as a defensive coordinator prior to his time at the University of Maryland,” Edsall said. “Over the past four seasons, he has been a great asset to our coaching staff in terms of game planning and developing our inside linebackers. Keith has a good rapport with our student-athletes and a great knowledge of our personnel, which will make for a seamless transition for our defensive unit.”
