Maryland football fires head coach Mike Locksley

The University of Maryland has dismissed head football coach Mike Locksley following a 2-5 start to the season. The decision, described by Athletic Director Jim Smith as a mutual agreement, follows a 37-30 homecoming loss to Rutgers that extended the Terrapins' Big Ten losing streak to 12 games.

Locksley, who was in his eighth season leading the program, finished his tenure with an overall record of 39-54. While he led the team to three consecutive bowl victories from 2021 to 2023, the program has struggled recently, going 10-21 over the last two-plus seasons and 2-20 in Big Ten play since 2024.

Co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The university has announced that a comprehensive national search for a permanent replacement will begin immediately. Under the terms of his contract, Maryland is expected to pay Locksley a buyout of approximately $9.75 million to $10 million.