Brandon Walker for Urban Media Today
After a 2-5 start, including a 0-4 start in conference play, Maryland parted ways with head coach Mike Locksley on Wednesday after eight seasons.
“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,” Maryland athletic director Jim Smith said in an announcement through the University.
The decision was both straightforward and challenging. Maryland has lost 12 consecutive Big Ten conference games, with matching 4-8 overall and 1-8 conference records in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The team faced dwindling attendance and a disgruntled fanbase that has seen other traditional basketball schools such as Indiana and UCLA, the current reigning national champions, gain success recently. Locksley went 39-54 in his eight seasons at Maryland and 17-52 in conference play, and he has not beaten a ranked Big Ten opponent during his tenure. Locksley will receive a $9.8 million buyout; however, Smith, assistant athletic director Diana Sabau, and the rest of the athletic department felt they can no longer present the football program to the masses as it is currently constructed.
“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,” Locksley said in a press release following the announcement of his dismissal.
It was difficult as he is a DMV local guy, born and raised in Washington, DC, and a Towson alum. Locksley, 56, came to Maryland when it was at one of the athletic departments’ darkest hours following the death of Jordan McNair in 2018 due to a heat stroke. He led Maryland to three consecutive bowl victories for the first time in school history at the conclusion of the 2021-2023 seasons; Pinstripe Bowl (54-10 over Virginia Tech), Duke’s Mayo Bowl (16-12 over NC State), and Music City Bowl (31-13 over Auburn). His ability to recruit in the DMV area turned Maryland into a viable place for top recruits.
Aazaar Abdul-Rahim has been named the interim head coach while Maryland begins a nationwide search for a new head coach. The Washington, DC native has served as co-defensive coordinator since 2024 and as cornerback coach. He is in his second stint with the team, having coached the defensive backs and cornerbacks from 2016 to 2018, and has also coached at Alabama, UMass, and Boston College.
Abdul-Rahim will be at the helm for Maryland when they host Illinois on Oct. 31 with a noon kickoff at FS1.
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