Mike Locksley will return for his ninth season as head coach at the University of Maryland in 2026, a decision announced by Athletic Director Jim Smith on Sunday. This decision comes amidst a challenging season for the Terrapins, who currently hold a 4-6 record overall and a 1-6 standing in the Big Ten. Despite recent struggles, including a projected second consecutive 1-8 Big Ten campaign, the university has decided to continue its investment in Locksley and his vision for the program.
Smith, in his first year as Athletic Director, affirmed his support for Locksley in a letter to fans, emphasizing the need to provide him with the resources necessary to succeed in the evolving landscape of college athletics. Smith highlighted the program's successes under Locksley, including three consecutive winning seasons and bowl victories from 2021-2023, a feat unprecedented in Maryland football history. These achievements, according to Smith, demonstrate the program's potential when properly supported.
The decision to retain Locksley reflects a strategic focus on long-term stability and growth, particularly given the significant financial investment the university would have had to make to buy out Locksley's contract, reportedly over $13 million. Instead, Maryland aims to channel those funds into bolstering the program's roster through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives, recruiting, and strategic utilization of the transfer portal. Smith has stated that the university is committed to providing Locksley and the student-athletes with the resources and investments necessary for success. This includes strengthening NIL support for 2026 and beyond, with a focus on roster retention and attracting talent.
Locksley's journey at Maryland has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. He initially joined the Terrapins as an assistant coach in 1997 and has had multiple stints with the program, including serving as interim head coach in 2015. Before returning to Maryland as head coach in 2019, Locksley honed his skills as an offensive coordinator at Illinois and later at Alabama, where he won a national championship in 2017.
Upon his return to Maryland, Locksley inherited a program reeling from the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair. He focused on instilling a new culture and building a foundation for sustained success. In the 2019 season, Maryland showcased its offensive potential with dominant victories, including a 79-0 win over Howard and a 63-20 triumph against 21st-ranked Syracuse. From 2021-2023, Locksley led Maryland to three consecutive bowl wins. In 2022 and 2023, the Terps won a combined 16 games, ranking fifth among Big Ten teams during that period. The 2024 season saw Maryland secure key victories over rivals Virginia and Big Ten newcomer USC.
Looking ahead, Maryland's success hinges on its ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of college athletics and provide Locksley with the resources he needs to compete in the Big Ten. The focus on NIL, recruiting, and the transfer portal signals a commitment to building a program that can consistently contend for championships and College Football Playoff berths. The development of young talents, such as quarterback Malik Washington, will also be crucial for the Terrapins' future success.
