Sports
Maryland turns to Aazaar Abdul-Rahim after Mike Locksley exits amid 2-5 start
Mike Locksley is leaving Maryland’s football program immediately by mutual agreement as the Terrapins sit at 2-5 overall and winless in Big Ten play. Assistant Aazaar Abdul-Rahim is expected to take over as interim coach.
The University of Maryland announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that Mike Locksley is stepping down as head football coach, effective immediately, after the Terrapins opened the season 2-5 and went 0-4 in Big Ten play. The university described the departure as a mutual decision.
Athletic Director Jim Smith said a coaching change was in the best interest of both Locksley and the program after conversations with the coach. Smith thanked Locksley for his commitment to the team and said he had strengthened Maryland’s ties across the state and region.
Assistant coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, who has strong connections to the area, is expected to serve as interim head coach, according to ESPN, which reported that the team was called to a meeting Wednesday morning to learn of the change.
Locksley, who has coached Maryland for several years, went 39-54 overall with the Terrapins. The team was 10-21 since the start of the 2024 season. His contract was scheduled to run through 2028; ESPN reported that his departure could trigger a buyout of about $10 million.
In a statement, Locksley said Maryland football and the community meant a great deal to him, and expressed gratitude for his relationships with players, staff, alumni and supporters.
The change puts Abdul-Rahim in charge as Maryland seeks to stabilize its season and chart a new direction for a program competing in the Big Ten.