Maryland Fires Coach Mike Locksley After 2-5 Start

Maryland has fired head football coach Mike Locksley, marking the first coaching change of the 2026-27 college football season ^[1]. The decision, labeled a "mutual decision" by the school, comes after a 2-5 start and a 37-30 home loss to struggling Rutgers, dropping the Terrapins to 0-4 in Big Ten play.

Locksley, who served as head coach for nine seasons, posted a 39-54 record with the program. His tenure included three straight winning seasons and bowl victories before a steep decline, with Maryland going 4-8 in both 2024 and 2025 and posting a 10-21 record since the start of 2024 ^[1]. The team is 2-20 in conference play over the past three years, including a 0-4 mark this season.

Co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will serve as interim head coach, marking his second stint with the program after previously serving from 2016-18 ^[1]. Abdul-Rahim has been co-defensive coordinator since 2024 and is expected to lead the team through the remainder of the season.

In a statement released by the university, Locksley expressed gratitude for his time at Maryland, emphasizing his deep connection to the community and his pride in the players and staff ^[1]. He acknowledged the program’s challenges but affirmed his ongoing support for the team’s future.

Maryland athletic director Jim Smith emphasized the program’s long-term potential, stating that the university is committed to finding a coach who can build a championship-contending team ^[1]. Smith described Maryland as a "world-class university with a proud football tradition" and stressed the importance of restoring competitiveness in the Big Ten.

The school has launched a "comprehensive national search" for a permanent replacement, signaling a major shift in direction after years of underperformance ^[1]. The story was first reported by New York Post.