Maryland Has Parted Ways With Mike Locksley After Fifth Consecutive Loss

Terrapins head coach Mike Locksley walking off the field after Maryland's homecoming loss to the Rutgers Scarlett Knights on Saturday, Oct. 17 at SECU Stadium. (Abdullah Konte / WINsports)

Maryland has parted ways with head football coach Mike Locksley following the Terrapins' fifth consecutive defeat, ending his tenure during the team's scheduled bye week.

Maryland Athletics announced Wednesday that the University and Locksley mutually agreed to part ways. The decision comes after Maryland suffered a 37-30 homecoming loss to Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 17. The defeat dropped the Terrapins to 2-5 overall and 0-4 in Big Ten play. The loss not only extended the team's losing streak, but intensified concerns about the program's direction.

Locksley's departure makes Maryland the first Power Four program to dismiss its head coach this season. He leaves College Park 39-54 overall and 17-52 in Big Ten play. The most successful stretch of Locksley's tenure came between 2021 and 2023 when Maryland recorded eight wins and earned bowl invitations in three consecutive seasons.

However, the Terrapins struggled to sustain that success, finishing 4-8 in both 2024 and 2025. The program’s recent struggles have continued into the current season. 

Despite the coaching change, Maryland faces a significant financial obligation stemming from Locksley’s contract. His April 2022 five-year extension included automatic one-year rollover provisions that added extra years to the a deal that originally was set to end in 2026. The years on the deal increased to 2028 as Maryland recorded at least seven regular-season wins in both 2022 and 2023.

As a result, the university owes Locksley $9.94 million following his departure, with half of that amount, $4.97 million, required to be paid in a lump sum within 60 days of his termination.

With Locksley’s departure, interim leadership was given to Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, who had entered this season in his third year as co-defensive coordinator. The challenge of stabilizing the program and guiding the Terrapins through the remainder of a disappointing season now falls on him. 

Maryland’s next test comes against Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 31, marking the beginning of a new chapter as the team looks to regain its footing.