Michael Locksley out as Maryland football coach after fifth straight loss

As of 3:09 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026

Michael Locksley is stepping down as Maryland's head football coach, effective immediately, in what the university called a mutual decision announced Wednesday. Aazaar Abdul-Rahim has been named interim head coach, Maryland Athletics said.

The announcement came four days after the Terrapins lost at home to Rutgers for their fifth straight defeat, The Associated Press reported. Maryland blew a 10-point halftime lead in the 37-30 homecoming loss on Saturday, according to the AP.

What Maryland said

"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," said Jim Smith, Maryland's Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. "On behalf of the University of Maryland, I want to thank Michael for his dedication to our football program and the genuine care he showed our student-athletes."

Smith said a comprehensive national search for the next head coach will begin immediately and will be conducted "with a high degree of confidentiality," according to the university's release.

"I want to thank Michael for his 18 years of service to the University, Athletic Department and Football Program," said university President Darryll J. Pines. "He rebuilt Maryland football and brought together the community and fan base during a difficult time period in the history of the university."

Locksley said in the release: "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."

The record

Locksley was in his eighth season as head coach and posted a 39-54 record in College Park, according to the university, which said he led Maryland to wins in three bowl games from 2021 to 2023. The AP reported that those three straight bowl victories were a first for the program, and that Maryland is 10-21 since then.

The AP reported that Locksley went 38-49 during this stint at Maryland and 16-47 in Big Ten play. Maryland hired him in December 2018, according to the AP.

This season, Maryland lost back-to-back home games to Virginia Tech and UCLA before falling to Nebraska and Ohio State on the road, the AP reported. Maryland has an open date this week, according to the AP.

The interim coach

Abdul-Rahim, a Washington, D.C., native, is in his third season of his second stint with the Terrapins, according to the university. He has served as co-defensive coordinator, associate head coach of the defense and cornerbacks coach since 2024, and previously coached at Maryland from 2016 to 2018, the university said.

Locksley's replacement will be the first major hire for Smith, the AP reported.