Maryland and Locksley part ways as Abdul-Rahim takes over

Maryland and Michael Locksley have agreed to part ways, ending his eighth season as head coach seven games into the schedule. The university announced Wednesday that Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will lead the team on an interim basis and that a national search will begin immediately.

The school described Locksley's departure as a mutual decision, effective immediately. Athletic director Jim Smith said conversations with Locksley led both sides to agree that a change would serve the program.

The Terrapins are 2-5 after Saturday's 37-30 home loss to Rutgers, their fifth consecutive defeat. Maryland led by 10 at halftime before losing on homecoming, the Associated Press reported. The team has a bye this week.

A second change in four days

The move comes shortly after Locksley dismissed defensive coordinator Ted Monachino on Sunday. Maryland then gave Abdul-Rahim responsibility for coordinating the defense, while inside linebackers coach Zac Spavital became co-defensive coordinator.

Now Abdul-Rahim has responsibility for the entire team. The Washington, D.C., native returned to Maryland in 2024 after an earlier stint from 2016 through 2018. Before this week's promotions, he was co-defensive coordinator, associate head coach for defense and cornerbacks coach.

Locksley leaves with a 39-54 record at Maryland, including his time as interim coach in 2015. He led the Terrapins to three consecutive bowl victories from 2021 through 2023. AP reported that Maryland has gone 10-21 in the two-plus seasons since that run.

Smith said the university's immediate responsibility is to support the players through the transition. He and university president Darryll Pines also said they are committed to providing the resources for the next coach.

Maryland has not named a permanent successor or set a public timetable for its search.

Sources

• Maryland: Locksley departure and interim appointment
• Associated Press: Maryland makes change after fifth straight loss
• Maryland: Sunday's defensive coordinator change