Maryland Names Aazaar Abdul-Rahim Interim Football Coach
The University of Maryland appointed Aazaar Abdul-Rahim to lead the football program through the remainder of the 2026 season.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football
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Maryland athletic director Jim Smith has appointed Aazaar Abdul-Rahim as the team's interim head football coach. This leadership change follows the departures of head coach Mike Locksley and defensive coordinator Ted Monachino.
Why it matters
The program is turning to Abdul-Rahim to guide the team through a challenging transitional period. Leadership is emphasizing a renewed focus on mental toughness, technique, and overall effort to stabilize the program.
Aazaar Abdul-Rahim is tasked with managing the Maryland Terrapins through the final 5 games of the 2026 season. This appointment follows the recent firing of defensive coordinator Ted Monachino and the departure of head coach Mike Locksley.
The players
Aazaar Abdul-Rahim
He is the newly appointed interim head football coach at the University of Maryland.
Jim Smith
He serves as the athletic director for the University of Maryland.
Mike Locksley
He is the former head football coach who recently departed the Maryland program.
Ted Monachino
He was the defensive coordinator at the University of Maryland prior to his firing.
The details
Abdul-Rahim, who previously coached at the University of Maryland from 2016 to 2018, brings experience from his time working with Mike Locksley at the University of Alabama. He held his introductory press conference in College Park to outline his immediate plans for the program.
Timeline
Aazaar Abdul-Rahim served as a coach at the University of Maryland between 2016 and 2018.
Defensive coordinator Ted Monachino was fired on October 20, 2026.
Aazaar Abdul-Rahim held his introductory press conference on October 27, 2026.
Maryland will face Illinois in week nine in November 2026.
Season Trajectory
This mid-season change resets the leadership structure for the University of Maryland football program as it navigates the remaining schedule. The outcome of the final 5 games will be critical in shaping the program's competitive standing heading into the offseason.
The coaching transition will immediately dictate the tactical approach and depth chart management for the remaining 5 games of the season. Fans and stakeholders should monitor the upcoming matchup against Illinois as the first indicator of the team's new direction.
The takeaway
The program is prioritizing stability and fundamental improvement under new interim leadership. Implementing a consistent approach to technique and effort remains the primary goal for the remainder of the 2026 season.
What happens next
The Maryland Terrapins will host the Illinois team at SECU Stadium during week nine in November 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's performance, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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