Locksley Faced High Buyout Amid Maryland Losses
Maryland football coach Mike Locksley would be owed $9.2 million if fired by the end of 2026.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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Records reveal that Maryland football coach Mike Locksley has a $9.2 million buyout clause in his contract if he is fired without cause on or before December 31, 2026. This financial detail emerges as the team has struggled on the field, losing 10 of its past 12 games.
Why it matters
The high cost of contract termination creates a significant financial consideration for the university as the football program navigates a difficult stretch. Understanding the financial obligations is essential to assessing the program's long-term leadership direction.
Coach Mike Locksley earns $6.4 million in 2026, comprising $600,000 in base pay and $5.8 million in supplemental compensation. Under his contract, which runs through 2028, he is entitled to 65% of his remaining salary if terminated.
The players
Mike Locksley
He is the head football coach for the University of Maryland who has led the program since 2019.
Maryland
This is the state university that manages the football program and is responsible for the contractual obligations of its athletic staff.
The details
The university obtained the contractual figures through records requests as the team faced a slump. The agreement specifies that the coach's annual salary is slated to increase to $6.7 million in 2027 and $7 million in 2028.
Timeline
Mike Locksley began his first season as head coach at Maryland in 2019.
The football team lost two games during September 2026.
The $9.2 million buyout clause remains in effect through December 31, 2026.
Salary for the coach is set to rise to $6.7 million in 2027.
The contract extends through the conclusion of the 2028 season.
Season Trajectory
The substantial buyout figure complicates the university's options for mid-season or offseason personnel changes. With 10 losses in the last 12 games, the pressure on the program's leadership remains high while the financial burden of a potential coaching change grows.
The $9.2 million figure effectively serves as a financial barrier that could delay potential changes to the coaching staff or program direction. Fans should note that the contract remains guaranteed at 65% of remaining salary if the coach is dismissed without cause.
The takeaway
Large contractual buyout clauses have become a standard feature in modern college sports, tying university finances closely to coaching performance. Understanding these obligations helps fans interpret the logistical challenges programs face when on-field results decline.
Further reading
For more background on the team, visit the Maryland Football section.
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Should universities limit expensive coaching buyouts for struggling football programs?
