University Of Maryland Head Football Coach Michael Locksley Resigns

COLLEGE PARK, MD — University of Maryland football head coach Michael Locksley has stepped down effective immediately, the university announced Wednesday.

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim has been named interim head coach.

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Earlier this week, university leaders fired defensive coordinator Ted Monachino after the University of Maryland endured a 37-30 homecoming loss to Rutgers Saturday, dropping their record for the season to 2-5 and their big 10 record to 0-4.

It was the team's fifth straight loss.

"Following thoughtful conversations with Coach Locksley, we agreed that a coaching change was in the best interest of Coach Locksley and the Maryland football program," Jim Smith, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics, said in a statement released Wednesday, then thanked Locksley for his work at the university and the "lasting impact" he made on the student-athletes.

Locksley was in his eighth season as head coach of the Terrapins and posted a 39-54 record in College Park. He led Maryland to wins in three bowl games from 2021-23.

"Maryland football and this community mean a great deal to me," Locksley said in a statement. "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.

Locksley encouraged everyone to continue supporting the football players moving forward and said he'll "always want the best for them and Maryland football."

Locksley's replacement, Abdul-Rahim, is a Washington, D.C., native in his third season of his second stint with the Terrapins. He has served as co-defensive coordinator, associate head coach of the defense and cornerbacks coach since 2024. He previously coached at Maryland from 2016-18. He played three seasons at San Diego State, graduating in 1998.

The University of Maryland Athletic Department stated that it "remains committed to supporting its student-athletes and football staff throughout the transition."

"Our immediate responsibility is to provide stability for our players and ensure they have the resources, guidance and support they need," Smith said. "They have continued to represent Maryland with determination, and our entire department will stand behind them as we begin this next chapter."

A comprehensive national search for Maryland's next head coach will begin immediately. The search will focus on identifying a "proven leader who can develop student-athletes, build a championship-caliber culture and recruit at an elite level."

"Maryland is a world-class university with a proud football tradition, an outstanding location, a passionate fan base and tremendous potential," Smith added. "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."

Related: UMD Defensive Coordinator Fired After 5 Straight Losses