Maryland head coach Michael Locksley has stepped down after a 2-5 start to the season, according to a Maryland Athletics spokesperson.
“Following thoughtful conversations with Coach Locksley, we agreed that a coaching change was in the best interest of Coach Locksley and the Maryland football program,” said Jim Smith, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics.
Maryland will owe Locksley nearly $10 million after the firing, per Chris Vannini and Scott Dochterman of The Athletic.
Aazaar Adbul-Rahim, who Maryland recently promoted to co-defensive coordinator, will replace Locksley as interim head coach.
The firing comes in Locksley’s eighth season at Maryland, where he accumulated a 39-54 record and three bowl wins. He was 16-47 in Big Ten play and did not beat a ranked conference opponent during his tenure.
“Maryland football and this community mean a great deal to me,” said Locksley. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this program for so many years, and for the relationships I have built with our players, staff, alumni and supporters.”
In the last three seasons, Locksley went 10-21, finishing near the bottom of the Big Ten each year.
Locksley’s dismissal comes three days after Maryland fired defensive coordinator Ted Monachino.
Maryland gets a head start on its coaching search, becoming the first Power 4 conference job to open up.
“A comprehensive national search for Maryland’s next head coach will begin immediately,” Maryland spokesperson Jason Yellin wrote in a statement. “The search will be conducted with a high degree of confidentiality and will focus on identifying a proven leader who can develop student-athletes, build a championship-caliber culture and recruit at an elite level.”
Time will tell the extent of Maryland’s roster turnover, which will likely be significant in the current landscape of college football. Players often follow their coaches, meaning many of the highly talented players Locksley recruited to Maryland might not be in College Park in 2027.
“My connection to this region and the people who make this community special is something I will always value,” Locksley said. “I appreciate everyone who has supported me and our entire program during my time at Maryland, and I wish the players, staff and the entire Maryland football community success in the future.”
The next era of Maryland football is here.
“On behalf of the University of Maryland, I want to thank Michael for his dedication to our football program and the genuine care he showed our student-athletes,” Smith said. “Michael represented Maryland with pride, strengthened our connection throughout the state and the region, and made a lasting impact on the young men he coached. We are grateful to Michael, Kia, and his family for everything they have contributed to our university.”
