By Adam Zielonka - The Washington Times - Friday, November 30, 2018

The Maryland Terrapins could hire their replacement for D.J. Durkin soon.

The University of Maryland is down to three finalists for the football coaching vacancy left in the wake of this year’s scandal: interim coach and offensive coordinator Matt Canada, Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley and Michigan quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton , ESPN reported .

Locksley was born in the District and has served two stints on Maryland’s coaching staff before, 1997-2002 and 2012-2015. He was Maryland’s interim coach after the program fired Randy Edsall. He also went 2-26 in two seasons as New Mexico’s head coach.

In the wake of Durkin’s firing, former Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith said he thought Locksley would be the wisest choice to replace him, citing his familiarity with recruiting in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area.

Hamilton is Michigan’s assistant head coach as well as quarterbacks coach. He has also spent time in the NFL, with his highest position being offensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts for three years.

Hamilton and Canada have not had prior head coach experience, apart from Canada’s time leading Maryland in 2018 while Durkin was on paid administrative leave.

ESPN reported that the candidates would have their final interviews Sunday and Monday, so an announcement could be coming next week.

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