Maryland dismisses football coach Michael Locksley

Maryland athletic director Jim Smith has announced the departure of head football coach Michael Locksley. The decision follows a five-game losing streak and a home loss to Rutgers on October 17. The move comes just three days after the dismissal of defensive coordinator Ted Monachino.

Locksley, who was the university’s highest-paid state employee at approximately $6 million annually, is expected to receive a buyout of nearly $10 million. Although the university stated Locksley stepped down, a spokesperson confirmed he will receive the full buyout amount, with half due within 60 days of his October 21 dismissal.

Athletic director Jim Smith expressed gratitude for Locksley’s commitment to his players and noted that the university is receiving significant interest from coaching agencies. Smith stated that the program aims to build a championship-contending team and will move with urgency to find a replacement, though no specific timeline has been established.