As the big man lumbered off the podium at about 8 p.m. Wednesday and out the door for the last time, they can say what they want about him and debate how good of a coach he was or not.
They can’t debate this: Forty years after his old man swore he would change the locks if his disenchanted kid left College Park - because, as his father said, “quitters don’t live in my house” - Ralph Friedgen never quit on Maryland.
It’s a damn shame that on the night of his last triumph, in the cold at RFK where they chanted his name and he sang the alma mater as the band played, the university he continues to love can’t say the same.
People have been slamming Mike Wise for being a little over-the-top in his columns slamming the Maryland athletic department about everything surrounding Friedgen’s dismissal, but Friedgen’s body of work, and his recent accomplishments, and everything he’s done for the University during his tenure deserves more respect.
What has he done for Maryland lately? In 2010, quite a lot. He coached the team to a remarkable turnaround and a great 9-4 season. Who expected that in August? Friedgen. He believed in his guys and their potential when few other people did, they finished 3rd in the conference rather than last, and it’s a little sad he can’t stick with them for the next season or so.
Friedgen couldn’t go on coaching forever - although JoePa survived many a threat to his job security and is still going strong - so it’s not all bad he’s going out on a great note. I’m happy he had this great year, and I’m happy the team got this win for him, and honestly, he might ultimately be happy he got out when he did.
But that doesn’t make the unceremonious way he was kicked to the curb right. Nothing will.
So on behalf of every Terps fan who thinks highly of the Fridge, or at least thinks he could’ve been treated with the same graciousness he’s shown in the past few days, I say Congratulations, Coach, on your season, and your win today, and your entire career at Maryland. And thank you.
