Maryland fires coach Mike Locksley as Terrapins become first Power Four opening
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Maryland fired head coach Mike Locksley after a 2-5 start to the 2026 season, following a 37-30 homecoming loss to Rutgers, ending his seven-plus year tenure with a 39-54 record.
- Locksley’s era peaked from 2021-2023 with three consecutive bowl appearances, but the program declined in 2024 and 2025, and a poor start to 2026, including a 54-3 loss to UCLA, led to his dismissal.
- Maryland will owe Locksley over $9 million in buyout money, and newly promoted defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will serve as interim head coach starting with the Oct. 31 game against Illinois.
- The program is increasing investment and resources in football, making Maryland the only Power Four job currently available, which could attract experienced coaches like Jake Dickert or Dan Mullen.
- Retaining key players such as quarterback Malik Washington, who has shown high potential despite recent struggles, will be a critical challenge for the new coaching staff.
