Photo: @moderatelymoco
By Noah Ploff
Mike Locksley, the former head coach of the Maryland football team, has been fired, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Record and Issues
Locksley was in the midst of his ninth season with the Terps, posting a 39-54 record. During his tenure, the team had three winning seasons and won three bowl games in a row from 2021 to 2023. During this season, Maryland broke its 20-game non-conference win streak with a blowout loss to Virginia Tech. The team also currently has a 12-game losing streak in the Big Ten.
Many problems have arisen during Locksley’s time with the Terps, including numerous blown leads, specifically during last season and this season.
Firing and Aftermath
The decision to fire Locksley comes after another blown lead last week, when Maryland lost 37-30 to Rutgers, dropping the team to 2-5 on the season. Co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will step up as the interim head coach while the search for a new head coach continues.
Locksley will be owed over $9 million in buyout money from Maryland. Half of the money will be owed within 60 days, and none of it will be offset if he obtains a new coaching job, according to his contract.
Early Wins, Late Slide
Locksley tended to start seasons strong with non-conference wins against weaker teams, then would fall off a cliff and lose to Power Four and Big Ten teams. The trend continued this year, with two wins in the first two games against non-Power Four teams before losing five straight games, leaving Maryland with its current record.
Coaching Candidates
Some coaches to watch as possible replacements are Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert, Duke head coach Manny Diaz, Ohio State offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and James Madison head coach Billy Napier. More coaching jobs may open up, but as of now, Maryland is the most appealing head coaching position on the market.
