Maryland Football Parts Ways With Coach Mike Locksley

The University of Maryland has appointed Aazaar Abdul-Rahim as interim head coach following a mutual agreement to move on.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football

Maryland Football Parts Ways With Coach Mike Locksley

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Maryland announced that head football coach Mike Locksley is leaving the program following a mutual agreement between the university and the coach. Aazaar Abdul-Rahim has been named the team's interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The decision follows significant pressure caused by the football team's prolonged performance struggles. Maryland currently holds a 12-game losing streak within the Big 10 conference.

Mike Locksley concludes his tenure with a career record of 36-54. The team currently holds a 2-5 overall record for 2026, including a 12-game Big 10 losing streak.

The players

Mike Locksley

He is the former head football coach who finished his tenure at the University of Maryland with a 36-54 record.

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim

He is the new interim head coach for the Maryland football team and serves as the first active Muslim head coach in the FBS.

Jim Smith

He is the athletic director for the University of Maryland who officially announced the coaching transition.

The details

Maryland athletic director Jim Smith announced the change during a meeting held on October 21. Aazaar Abdul-Rahim steps into the interim role, becoming the first active Muslim head coach in the FBS.

October 18, 2026: Maryland lost to Rutgers.
October 21, 2026: Maryland announced the coaching change.
Week of October 25, 2026: Maryland has a bye week.
Week of November 1, 2026: Maryland plays Illinois.

Season Trajectory

This coaching change follows a pattern set by other programs within the Big 10 seeking to revitalize performance through mid-season turnover. The move aims to reset the team's culture ahead of future conference play following a prolonged losing streak.

Maryland enters a bye week during the week of October 25 before returning to competition. The team's immediate focus turns to their upcoming matchup against the Illinois Fighting Illini.

The takeaway

The program now looks toward stabilizing its 2-5 record under new leadership during the remainder of the 2026 season. Supporters should monitor how the team adjusts its strategy during the upcoming bye week before returning to the field.