# Maryland Terrapins football coaching changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maryland-terrapins-football-coaching-changes
> Updated: 2026-10-26T01:03:05.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Following a five-game losing streak and a 37-30 loss to Rutgers, the Maryland football program underwent significant leadership changes. On October 18, head coach Mike Locksley dismissed defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Ted Monachino. The dismissal followed defensive regression, with the team allowing 33.3 points per game. Aazaar Abdul-Rahim was named interim defensive coordinator, with Zac Spavital serving as co-defensive coordinator.

On October 26, athletic director Jim Smith announced the departure of head coach Michael Locksley. While the university stated Locksley stepped down, a spokesperson confirmed he would receive a buyout of nearly $10 million. Locksley, previously the university’s highest-paid state employee at approximately $6 million annually, is expected to receive half of the buyout within 60 days of his dismissal. The athletic department indicated it is seeking a replacement to build a championship-contending team.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Maryland dismisses football coach Michael Locksley

Maryland athletic director Jim Smith has dismissed head football coach Michael Locksley following a five-game losing streak. The university will pay Locksley a buyout of nearly $10 million.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maryland-dismisses-football-coach-michael-locksley

### 2026-10-18: Maryland fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino

Maryland head coach Mike Locksley has fired defensive coordinator Ted Monachino following a five-game losing streak and defensive regression.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maryland-fires-defensive-coordinator-ted-monachino

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Cite as: Maryland Terrapins football coaching changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maryland-terrapins-football-coaching-changes