So are the Terps rebuilding?

Randy Edsall made this comment after the 38-7 loss to Temple:

“This is a process we’re in. It’s a process. It wasn’t going to get changed overnight.”

Let’s consider that remark for a moment.

I don’t think Edsall meant that Maryland was rebuilding in the manner of a professional team that has been made over  -- say the Washington Nationals after arriving from Montreal. There are typically low expectations for teams in the early years of those sorts of reclamation projects. Not so this season with the Terps, who returned enough players – notably quarterback Danny O’Brien, most of the offensive line and safety-turned-linebacker Kenny Tate – to have relatively high hopes. Last season’s team was 9-4 under Ralph Friedgen, and I don’t think Maryland entered the season expecting anything less this year.

So what was Edsall referring to? Was he taking a poke at the previous regime?  I’m going to speculate that he was talking at least partly about the time necessary to put his stamp on the team. These are mostly inherited players. It may not be a rebuilding year, but it is a transition year.  There are new coordinators on offense and defense. There is a new culture.  Edsall has talked about improving players’ academic performances.

There is an odd dynamic here.  Friedgen’s best period at Maryland came in his first several seasons.  His worst season was his second-to-last.  I would think Edsall would hope and expect that his teams would steadily improve over time.

A related note:  I think it was a blow to Maryland when defensive coordinator Don Brown left for Connecticut during the offseason. Brown had been a key member of Friedgen’s staff and was paid a compliment by Edsall, who decided to retain Brown. But Brown – whose  players’  comfort level with his blitz-happy defense increased over time – decided to leave.  His departure meant the Terps had to make one more adjustment in a season already filled with change.

So what ‘s your assessment of Edsall’s remark? Feel free to comment, and I will delve into this further.

And finally: Our blog debuts a new look today. It will be picture-friendly and you should see your comments posted more quickly. Raise your hand if you have any questions.