ESPN: Maryland Fires Football Coach Mike Locksley

A $9.75 million buyout and an 0-4 start in Big Ten play sealed the end for Mike Locksley at College Park, where ESPN reported Wednesday that Maryland dismissed its eighth-year football coach following a 12th consecutive conference defeat.

Dismissal After a Five-Game Skid

Locksley compiled a 39-54 overall record with the Terrapins since taking over the program ahead of the 2019 campaign, but went 10-21 starting from the 2024 season. The 56-year-old coach’s exit arrived in the wake of a 37-30 Homecoming loss to Rutgers, a contest where Maryland surrendered 24 unanswered points in the second half in front of a sparse home crowd. Wednesday’s announcement revealed that the Terrapins have parted ways with their eighth-year leader, Mike Locksley, following a sequence of 12 straight losses within the Big Ten.

Their current five-game losing streak has seen the defense allow an average of 43.8 points per game, according to ESPN.

We agreed that a coaching change was in the best interest of Coach Locksley and the Maryland football program, Smith said in a statement reported by ESPN.

Locksley acknowledged his departure by pointing to his deep roots in the community. Maryland football and this community mean a great deal to me, Locksley said in remarks published by ESPN. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this program for so many years, and for the relationships I have built with our players, staff, alumni and supporters.

Maryland Owes Locksley a 9.75 Million Dollar Buyout

Locksley was slated to earn $6.4 million for his eighth season under an agreement running through 2028. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the buyout is valued at $9.75 million. Sources told ESPN that the contract contains no offset or mitigation clauses, meaning Maryland remains responsible for the full sum even if Locksley secures another coaching position.

Scrutiny over Locksley’s position intensified following consecutive 4-8 records through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Although his regional ties helped secure valuable recruits for the university—including Malik Washington and Elee—the team’s results on the gridiron failed to advance.

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim Becomes Interim Head Coach

Maryland named longtime assistant Aazaar Abdul-Rahim as interim head coach while initiating a national search for a permanent replacement, as reported by ESPN. Abdul-Rahim, a Washington, D.C. native with established regional recruiting ties, was recently promoted to defensive coordinator following the dismissal of Ted Monachino.

The Terrapins enter a Week 8 bye before hosting Illinois on October 31. Smith emphasized that the immediate priority centers on athlete stability and resource provision. Our immediate responsibility is to provide stability for our players and ensure they have the resources, guidance and support they need, Smith said, as covered by ESPN.