COLLEGE PARK, Md. — When Illinois had an offensive coordinator opening after last season, one of the rumored names was Matt Canada.
He had been fired by LSU and was looking for his next opportunity.
"I looked at every good, available coordinator," Illinois coach Lovie Smith said. "Of course, Matt was one of them."
Ultimately, Smith hired Rod Smith as his offensive coordinator. And Canada moved to Maryland in the same position.
On Aug. 11, Maryland coach D.J. Durkin was placed on administrative leave following the death of player Jordan McNair. Canada was promoted to acting head coach.