Story perspectives

Maryland fires Mike Locksley after 2–5 start

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 10:52 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Maryland Fires Locksley

Maryland fired head coach Mike Locksley on Oct. 21, 2026 after a 2-5 start.
Locksley's contract buyout totals $9.94 million, with $4.97 million due within 60 days.
Cornerbacks coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim was named interim head coach.
Defensive coordinator Ted Monachino was dismissed after the 37-30 loss to Rutgers.
Maryland’s defense ranked 127th nationally, allowing 43.8 points per game during the five-game skid.

Summary

Maryland Seeks Coach

Maryland launched a search for a permanent head football coach, coordinated by AD Jim Smith and President Darryll J. Pines.
Candidates discussed include Brian Kelly, Charles Huff, Lance Taylor, Jake Dickert and Billy Napier.
Kelly is a former Notre Dame and LSU coach with a 200-win résumé.
Maryland is the only Power Four program with an opening, giving it leverage in the hiring market.

History

Historical Context

Maryland’s football program, once led to national titles by Jim Tatum in the 1950s, has endured frequent coaching turnover. After Randy Edsall’s 2-4 start, the university dismissed him in October 2015 and promoted offensive coordinator Mike Locksley as interim. Locksley returned as head coach in 2018, only to be fired on October 21 2026 following a 2-5 start.

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Maryland Fires Locksley

Maryland fired head coach Mike Locksley on Oct. 21, 2026 after a 2-5 start.
Locksley's contract buyout totals $9.94 million, with $4.97 million due within 60 days.
Cornerbacks coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim was named interim head coach.
Defensive coordinator Ted Monachino was dismissed after the 37-30 loss to Rutgers.
Maryland’s defense ranked 127th nationally, allowing 43.8 points per game during the five-game skid.

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