The University of Maryland has informed Ralph Friedgen that his 10-year tenure as head football coach is over and has asked him to accept a buyout of his contract, two people familiar with the situation said Saturday.
The decision brings to an end Friedgen's run at his alma mater in which he recorded 31 victories in his first three years, bringing Maryland football to national prominence, and led the team to seven bowl appearances.
If Friedgen refuses to retire, the school would have to pay him about $2 million to buy out the remaining year on his contract. Friedgen has not made a decision on whether to accept the buyout offer, one individual close to Friedgen said, and no deadline has been established for Friedgen to make a decision.
Kevin Anderson, Maryland's first-year athletic director, said to expect an announcement regarding the football program's future early in the week.
