Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen has dismissed inquiries for the Chicago Bears’ coaching vacancy.
Friedgen could not be reached for comment yesterday while attending a national coaching convention in Orlando, Fla. However, sources close to Friedgen said the Terrapins’ coach remains uninterested after informal inquiries from Chicago, the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants.
The Chicago Tribune reported yesterday that the Bears were heavily interested in Friedgen after failing to gain several of their lead choices. Chicago player personnel director Bobby DePaul, who played for the Terps in 1982 and 1983 while Friedgen was an assistant coach, is reportedly behind the push. The Bears have tried to gauge Friedgen’s interest in recent days without direct talks.
However, Friedgen has said repeatedly that he’s satisfied with Maryland’s commitment to the program that includes plans for stadium expansion. Friedgen also recently gained a six-figure raise tied to new marketing deals like Under Armour apparel that could grow to $300,000 in coming years. He is in the third year of a 10-year deal at Maryland worth more than $1.2million annually.
Meanwhile, Terps tight end Joe Dugan, linebacker Leon Joe and safety Madieu Williams have been invited to the NFL Combine on Feb.18. Dugan will play in the Gridiron Classic and Williams in the Senior Bowl. Defensive end Scott Smith is in the Las Vegas Bowl.
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