Maryland fires head coach Mike Locksley after five straight losses

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 18:09 · Archive

University of Maryland has fired head coach Mike Locksley after the Terrapins lost five straight games to fall to 2-5 this season.

The University of Maryland has fired head coach Mike Locksley following a 2-5 start to the 2026 season, with the Terrapins losing five straight games. The New York Post reports the move was described as a 'mutual decision', whilst Fox News reports Maryland fired him. Locksley will receive a $4.9 million buyout over a 60-day window.

Locksley's tenure showed a stark downturn in recent years. He went 3-9 in his first full season in 2020 but then posted winning records from 2021 to 2023 with bowl game wins each year. Since 2024, however, Maryland has compiled a 10-21 record. This season, the Terrapins are 0-4 in conference play, most recently losing 37-30 at home to Rutgers. Maryland is 2-20 in Big Ten play over the last three years.

Defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The university said it will begin a comprehensive national search for a permanent replacement immediately. Locksley finished with a 39-54 record at Maryland. He previously served as head coach at New Mexico from 2009 to 2011, compiling a 2-26 record there.

How it is being reported

• Mike Locksley out at Maryland in first college football coach exit of seasonMaryland is kicking off the 2026-27 college football coaching carousel.New York Post · 21 Oct, 17:48
• University of Maryland fires head coach Mike Locksley after five straight lossesMike Locksley is out as Maryland football head coach after five straight losses, with Aazaar Abdul-Rahim stepping in as interim for the Terrapins.Fox News · 21 Oct, 16:55

In this story: Mike Locksley · Aazaar Abdul-Rahim · University of Maryland · Maryland Terrapins · Rutgers · New Mexico

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