Malik Washington returned to Maryland football after a standout freshman season at quarterback. But a lack of team success warranted changes.
In response, the Terps tailored their offensive coaching staff to him.
Head coach Michael Locksley added a new offensive coordinator and tight ends coach with a clear focus — using his quarterback as the program’s cornerstone. At the start of spring practice, the Terps lean on this dynamic to build success in 2026.
A high school reunion
Maryland’s new tight ends coach, Kyle Schmidt, was Washington’s high school head coach at Archbishop Spalding. He had another chance to come to the program, but this was the right moment.
“In my career, it was the moment that I needed to do it. Coach [Locksley] believed in me and that means the world to me,” Schmidt said. “There’s not a lot of guys who go from high school to a Big Ten position coach, for him to give me that opportunity a second time, I didn’t want to pass it up. I believe in him. I believe in this mission.”
Schmidt’s relationship with Washington clearly played a factor and Schmidt wanted to join the program.
“It’s a big reason why I’m here. I have spent a ton of time with Malik and known him since he was a middle schooler,” Schmidt said. “Trust me, it’s not hard to coach Malik Washington, so I in no way want to take any credit.”
But Schmidt could take credit; Washington went 33-3, winning three MIAA titles at Spalding. He never lost to a conference opponent and went an undefeated 12-0 in his senior season.
Despite that success, Schmidt joked that Spalding scored more points than it did in any of Washington’s three seasons. But Washington’s role with the Terps was a reason Schmidt opted to leave that program.
“It’s another familiar face. It’s a lot of familiar faces around here for me, but that’s just one that I’ve known for a really long time,” Washington said. “Coach has seen me grow and mature as a young man, not even just as a player, and I’m really appreciative to have him here.”
How can Schmidt help the new offensive coordinator?
Despite being the tight ends coach, Schmidt was brought in to help new offensive coordinator Clint Trickett expand Washington’s abilities.
Trickett replaced Pep Hamilton as offensive coordinator, who is now a special assistant to the head coach. The Terps will have a brand new system.
“One of the first things we did when we got together as a coaching staff,” Trickett said. “Coach Schmidt, I was asking him, Hey, can you put a cut up together of things that Malik has always done well, from high school on to college. So that’s where we started.”
Schmidt’s experience with Washington could expedite Trickett’s comfort level with the quarterback.
“Coach Schmidt understands what worked well for me in high school,” Washington said. “Him and coach Trickett have a pretty good relationship, so I understand what may be able to work for me here.”
Trickett’s impressions of Washington
In Trickett’s previous spots, he revealed that his style had been much more run-game-focused, but that will likely change given Washington’s talent.
“He’s the most talented thrower of the football I’ve ever seen,” Trickett said.
Trickett was a college quarterback himself, throwing for 5,837 yards and 32 touchdowns in four seasons with Florida State.
He made it clear that he played alongside three first-round draft-pick quarterbacks. Examples include Heisman-winner Jameis Winston, Christian Ponder and EJ Manuel.
Trickett was the offensive coordinator at Jacksonville State last season and had briefly taken Arkansas’ quarterback coach job before coming to Maryland. Washington’s talent was a clear reason why.
“That was the deciding factor, ultimately… You got a chance if you got a quarterback, but they definitely have a quarterback, so we got a chance,” Trickett said. “I’ve never necessarily had a quarterback as talented in the 10 years that I have been a Division I coach.”
Washington was asked to do a lot in his freshman year — he succeeded for the most part. Now, the offensive will be more tailored to him.
