Maryland football has finally changed its coaching staff.

Maryland has fired defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Ted Monachino, per Maryland spokesperson Dustin Semonavick.

“I appreciate Ted’s hard work and dedication to our program during his time in College Park,” Locksley said in Maryland’s statement. “As I evaluate our program, I believe this change is necessary. We wish Ted all the best moving forward.”

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, who also serves as the cornerbacks coach and associate head coach for defense, will assume the interim defensive coordinator role. Inside linebackers coach Zac Spavital will be the co-defensive coordinator, according to Semonavick’s statement.

Maryland hired Monachino in 2025 after a 4-8 outing in 2024.

Under Monachino, Maryland’s defense improved in 2025, allowing fewer points per game and yards per game.

In 2026, the defense has regressed past its 2024 performance. Maryland is allowing the 12th-most points in the nation at 33.3 points per game, higher than 2024’s 30.4.

The move comes at a stressful time for the Maryland program. Maryland has lost five straight games, and the team hasn’t beaten a power-conference opponent since Sept. 20, 2025.

Most questions about coaching changes have focused on Locksley, but the coordinator change suggests Maryland likely will not make a head coaching change this season.

The Terps enter the bye week before heading to Illinois with a shot at bowl eligibility if they go 4-1 to end the season.