Maryland AD Backs Mike Locksley, Hikes Football Financials

Why Keep Locksley

With the record dollar amount of buyouts being paid to fired coaches this season, Maryland chose to invest that money into the program. But now Locksley must give a return on that investment. In eight seasons at Maryland, Locksley has an overall record of 37-47 and is 22-41 in Big Ten play.

The last few seasons have been rough for the Terrapins, finishing 1-8 last year in Big Ten play and 1-6 this year. However, there is hope in College Park, Md., with a group of freshman stars led by QB Malik Washington. The increase in funds to the program includes NIL money that is designed to fend off offers the freshmen might get from other schools. It will also be used to bring players in via the transfer portal.

Locksley has shown that when his Maryland teams make a bowl game, they win. His bowl game record is 3-0, which includes wins in the 2021 Pinstripe, 2022 Duke’s Mayo and 2023 Music City bowls. The obvious argument is that in seven seasons, only three bowl appearances is not good.

Another thing to consider when deciding to keep Locksley is that there are already 10 open head coaching positions in the FBS this season. As the season comes to a close, more are expected to come open. Maryland, while in the Big Ten, is not considered a top-tier job, especially when compared to the current open jobs. LSU, Penn State, Florida, Auburn, Arkansas and Virginia Tech all have openings. Each of these jobs would be considered better jobs than Maryland.

To bring in a coach to replace Locksley, Maryland will be looking at not only the sixth or seventh best candidate, but also a limited candidate pool. Many of the potential candidates for the above jobs have signed extensions with their current schools. There are also openings at UCLA, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, UAB and Colorado State. While these jobs might not be looked at as better than Maryland, there might be candidates looking at both jobs who will be enticed to not take the Maryland job.

Another positive for keeping Locksley is that he sends players to the NFL. Thirteen Terrapins have been drafted over the last three seasons. Getting players to the NFL is always a huge help with recruiting both high school players and from the portal. Maryland finished No. 25 in the 2025 recruiting rankings according to 247Sports. Recruiting momentum is swinging in the Terrapins’ direction, but Locksley needs to capitalize on that momentum.

How Locksley Can Improve

Getting the dreaded “vote of confidence” from the athletic director typically indicates that the coach will be fired at the end of the season. But Smith made it clear Locksley is returning in 2026. If Locksley plans on returning in 2027, he has some work to do. First, he and his Maryland staff need to identify holes in the roster to fill via the portal and attack it vigorously. Bringing in a legitimate WR1 either via the portal or high school recruiting will go a long way to helping the offense.

The defense is where Locksley will need to improve the most. The Terps rank No. 61 in the FBS in scoring defense, giving up 23.44 points per game. In total defense, Maryland is No. 93, surrendering 392.4 yards per game. While some of the star freshmen are on the defensive side of the ball, Locksley needs to bolster the defense. Players such as LB Carlton Smith and DL Zahir Mathis have held their own, but need help.

Locksley will also need to stop the late-season slides. Currently, the Terrapins are on a six-game losing streak. Maryland lost seven of the last eight games in 2024 as well. In 2023, the Terps lost five of their last seven games. While 2021 and 2022 were slightly better, Maryland still lost three of the final five games in both seasons. Winners win games, no matter how difficult it is to do. And coaches are paid to win games. So, the first thing Locksley needs to do is improve his game-day coaching.

Having a record at the same Power Four school, 10 games under .500 over eight years, is unheard of. Getting another chance to right the ship is rare. It’s now or never for Locksley at Maryland.