Breaking: Mike Locksley Fired After 12-Game Big Ten Skid

Image Source: ESPN

Mike Locksley is no longer Maryland’s head football coach after the Terrapins endured a 12-game losing streak against Big Ten opponents. The university announced the decision Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, following a difficult 37-30 Homecoming loss to Rutgers.

The move ends Locksley’s seven-plus-season tenure in College Park. He leaves with a 39-54 overall record, including a 10-21 mark since the beginning of the 2024 season. Maryland is 2-5 this year and has dropped five consecutive games after opening the campaign with wins over Hampton and UConn.

Mike Locksley Fired After Maryland’s Critical Big Ten Slide

Maryland’s latest defeat proved decisive. The Terps surrendered 24 unanswered second-half points against Rutgers, extending a run of poor results that had placed the program under intense pressure. The loss was Maryland’s 20th in its past 22 Big Ten games.

The school also dismissed defensive coordinator Ted Monachino earlier in the week. Maryland’s defense allowed 219 points during the current five-game losing streak, ranking 133rd nationally in points allowed at 33.3 per game. The unit ranked 83rd in total yards allowed.

During losses to Virginia Tech, UCLA, Nebraska, Ohio State and Rutgers, Maryland gave up an average of 43.8 points per game and lost by an average margin of 24.6 points. The Terps are also winless in their past 13 games against Power 4 opponents.

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim Takes Over as Interim Coach

Maryland has appointed longtime assistant Aazaar Abdul-Rahim as interim head coach. The Washington, D.C., native was recently promoted to defensive coordinator after Monachino’s dismissal and is viewed as an important figure in the effort to retain local recruits and stabilize the roster.

Abdul-Rahim has deep ties to the Maryland program. During a previous stint with the Terrapins, he played a significant role in recruiting classes that ranked among the nation’s best. He has also worked with Jeff Hafley at Boston College and Nick Saban at Alabama, while serving as defensive coordinator at UMass.

His first challenge will come after Maryland’s bye week, when Illinois visits on Oct. 31. The interim coach must prepare the players while helping the university navigate a national search for a permanent replacement.

Contract Details Add to Maryland’s Coaching Challenge

According to ESPN, Locksley was scheduled to earn $6.4 million during his eighth season under a contract running through 2028. Sources told ESPN that Maryland owes him a $9.75 million buyout, with no offset or mitigation language in the agreement. That means the university is expected to pay the full amount even if Locksley accepts another coaching job.

Athletic director Jim Smith said the change was made in the best interest of both Locksley and Maryland football. He thanked the former coach for his dedication and emphasized that the immediate priority is providing stability, resources and guidance to the players.

Smith also said Maryland wants to build a program capable of competing for championships. The next head coach will inherit a team with recruiting potential, a strong regional base and a desirable location, but also significant work to do on the field.

Why Mike Locksley’s Tenure Fell Short

Locksley arrived with strong local connections and a reputation as a capable recruiter. He previously spent multiple periods on Maryland’s staff between 1997 and 2015, including a stint as interim coach. He became the permanent head coach before the 2019 season after working at Alabama.

His tenure produced several promising moments. Maryland recorded three winning seasons and three bowl victories from 2021 through 2023. The program also secured notable recruiting wins, including five-star prospect Zion Elee and quarterback Malik Washington.

However, the momentum disappeared after consecutive 4-8 seasons in 2024 and 2025. Maryland added 15 transfers and brought in the nation’s 37th-ranked recruiting class during the offseason, but the results did not improve. The Terps’ defensive struggles and continued Big Ten losses ultimately made a coaching change unavoidable.

Locksley said Maryland football and the surrounding community meant a great deal to him. He thanked the players, staff, alumni and supporters, adding that he remained proud of the work completed during his time with the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Mike Locksley fired?

Maryland dismissed Mike Locksley after a 12-game Big Ten losing streak, a five-game overall skid and a 2-5 start to the 2026 season.

Who is Maryland’s interim football coach?

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim has been named interim head coach. He recently became Maryland’s defensive coordinator and has strong recruiting ties in the region.

What was Mike Locksley’s record at Maryland?

Locksley finished with a 39-54 record during his seven-plus seasons as Maryland’s head coach.

How much is Maryland expected to pay in a buyout?

Sources told ESPN that Maryland owes Locksley a $9.75 million buyout under his contract, which runs through 2028.