April 1st, 2016 by WCBC Radio

An assistant hired by new Maryland football head coach DJ Durkin is stepping down for personal reasons, the Terps announced Friday.

“I want to thank DJ Durkin for the opportunity to be on his staff, but at this time I feel it’s best to step aside to tend to personal matters,” defensive coordinator Scott Shafer said in a statement. “I’m sincerely appreciative of his support and friendship.” 

Durkin hired Shafer, the former head coach at Syracuse, in December.

“I, along with the entire Maryland football family, will continue to support Scott in every way that we can,” Durkin said.