PHILADELPHIA—The University of Maryland could have never expected the backlash it received after the University’s Board of Regents re-instated head football coach DJ Durkin.

It took the school a day of contemplation, but the Terps regained their moral compass.

 President Wallace D. Loh, speaking on behalf of the Student Government Association, numerous student organization, the Senate Executive Committee, Deans; department chairs and campus leadership,  decided to prioritize the safety and well-being of their student athletes by firing a rouge coach who fostered a culture of bullying that led to the death of Jordan McNair, a 19-year old football player, who passed away five months ago after suffering  a heat stroke during a workout May 29 and failed to receive proper dehydration.

 Damon Evans informed the team of the decision, which was ultimately made by Loh, during a team meeting. Anything less would have been a travesty of justice and put a stain on the university for placing success in big time athletes above student welfare.

 Interim coach Matt Canada remains the interim coach. Maryland is 5-3 headed into Saturday’s Big Ten game against Michigan State.

 Durkin, who had been administrative leave since Aug. 11, had been reinstated Tuesday, following two investigations into the football program and five meetings and calls between the 17-member Board of Regents.

 “We feel gratified that some justice has been done, that Dr. Loh took it upon himself to do the right thing,’’ Marty McNair, Jordan’s father said.

 The reinstatement of Durkin was greeted by immediate outrage and protest by student groups that threatened to rip the school apart. Even Gov. Larry Hogan got into the act, questioning whether the university had done enough Tuesday and then demanded the decision be re-considered.

 Durkin went 10-15 in his two seasons at Maryland.