Mike Locksley Out as Maryland Football Coach Amid Midseason Struggles
The university announced a mutual parting with Locksley, who led the Terrapins for nine seasons, with co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim taking over as interim coach.
Maryland has parted ways with head football coach Mike Locksley, the university announced Wednesday, making him the first college football coach to exit midseason. The decision was described as mutual, and co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim has been named interim head coach. A national search for the next head coach will commence immediately.
Locksley's departure comes after a 2-5 start to the 2026 season, a record that contributed to him being on the proverbial hot seat. This season marked his ninth with the program, and it has seen a significant downturn in recent years. Since the start of the 2024 season, Maryland has a record of 10-21, with consecutive 4-8 seasons in 2024 and 2025.
The Terrapins have struggled particularly in conference play, holding a 2-20 record in the Big Ten over the last three years, including an 0-4 start this season. Their most recent loss was a 37-30 home defeat to Rutgers last Saturday.
Prior to the recent struggles, Locksley guided Maryland to three consecutive winning seasons, each culminating in a bowl game victory. However, the team has since become a bottom-dweller in the Big Ten.
Locksley's overall record with the Terrapins stands at 39-54. He previously coached New Mexico from 2009 to 2011, where he went 2-26.
In a statement released by the school, Locksley expressed his gratitude for his time at Maryland, stating, "Maryland football and this community mean a great deal to me. 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. I am proud of the work we have done together and remain deeply invested in the success and well-being of the young men in this program. They deserve our continued support, and I will always want the best for them and Maryland football."
He added, "My connection to this region and the people who make this community special is something I will always value. I appreciate everyone who has supported me and our entire program during my time at Maryland, and I wish the players, staff and the entire Maryland football community success in the future."
Abdul-Rahim, who has served as co-defensive coordinator since 2024, is in his second stint with the program, having previously been on the staff from 2016 to 2018.
Maryland Athletic Director Jim Smith emphasized the university's commitment to building a championship-contending program. "Maryland is a world-class university with a proud football tradition, an outstanding location, a passionate fan base and tremendous potential," Smith said in the release. "Our expectation is to build a program that competes for championships and makes our students, alumni and supporters proud. We understand the responsibility that comes with leading Maryland Football, and we are committed to finding the right person to guide the Terrapins into the future."