Maryland parts ways with head football coach Mike Locksley

The University of Maryland football program announced a coaching change on Wednesday, parting ways with head coach Mike Locksley in what was described as a mutual decision. The move marks the first major coaching departure of the 2026 college football season, arriving after a disappointing 2-5 start and an extended skid within the Big Ten.

Maryland athletic director Jim Smith addressed the transition in an official statement, thanking Locksley for his dedication to the program and the student-athletes. "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," Smith said.

Locksley departs with an overall record of 39-54 across his tenure, which included six games as an interim coach in 2015 and his full-time hiring prior to the 2019 season. Within the Big Ten, he compiled a 17-52 mark, though his tenure did feature three consecutive winning seasons from 2021 to 2023, including consecutive eight-win campaigns in 2022 and 2023, along with three bowl game victories.

The decision comes just days after a 37-30 home loss to Rutgers on October 17, which marked Maryland's fifth consecutive defeat and dropped the team to 0-4 in conference play. Entering a bye week, the program has now lost 20 of its past 30 games and is searching for answers following back-to-back 4-8 campaigns in 2024 and 2025.

Reflecting on his departure, Locksley expressed gratitude for his time in College Park. "I am proud of the work we have done together and remain deeply invested in the success and well-being of the young men in this program," Locksley said. "They deserve our continued support, and I will always want the best for them and Maryland football."

With two years remaining on a contract that ran through December 31, 2028, Locksley is owed a buyout estimated between $9.7 million and $9.75 million. Because his deal lacks an offset or mitigation clause, the university is liable to pay the remaining balance regardless of whether he secures a new position.

Defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim has been named the interim head coach as the university initiates an immediate nationwide search for a permanent successor. The Terrapins will use their bye week to regroup before hosting the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 31.