Ralph Friedgen will retain his job as Terrapin football head coach for at least a 10th season, according to the Athletics Department.

Friedgen was rumored to be on the chopping block as a result of his team’s 2-10 season this past year, which concluded Saturday with yet another close loss. Sunday, Friedgen began a series of meetings with Athletics Director Debbie Yow. He was expected to have to expand on his plan for improving the team and program. (More on that in today’s print edition story.)

Friedgen has battled criticism this season about recruiting, poor attendance, a coach-in-waiting succession plan involving offensive coordinator James Franklin and the team’s overall lack of success. Still, others point to his successes in the previous eight seasons as more than enough reason to keep the alumnus for at least the two remaining years of his contract.

A buyout would have cost the Athletics Department an estimated $4 million, a number that has caused a stir all the way up to Governor Martin O’Malley, who stated when asked that he hoped public funds would not be used. Several donors have indicated the money should be considered in such a case.

An official statement is expected in the next hour or so.

ajoseph@umdbk.com

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