Maryland, Michael Locksley part ways after 2-5 start; Aazaar Abdul-Rahim named interim coach

Michael Locksley on the sideline against Florida Atlantic at SECU Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. (Charles Brock/Icon Sportswire)

Maryland is changing football coaches in the middle of the season. Maryland Athletics announced Wednesday that Michael Locksley is stepping down as head coach, effective immediately, in what the school called a mutual decision. Aazaar Abdul-Rahim has been named interim head coach.

ESPN's Pete Thamel first reported the move at 11:18 a.m., and the university confirmed it in a release at 11:45 a.m.

The announcement came four days after a 37-30 home loss to Rutgers dropped the Terrapins to 2-5. Maryland has lost five straight games, including its first four Big Ten games: 54-3 to UCLA, 48-23 at Nebraska, 45-16 at Ohio State and the loss to Rutgers.

"Following thoughtful conversations with Coach Locksley, we agreed that a coaching change was in the best interest of Coach Locksley and the Maryland football program," athletic director Jim Smith said in the release.

Locksley was in his eighth season as Maryland's head coach and went 39-54 in College Park, according to the school. He led the Terrapins to wins in three bowl games from 2021-23.

"Maryland football and this community mean a great deal to me," Locksley said in the release.

"I am proud of the work we have done together and remain deeply invested in the success and well-being of the young men in this program," he added.

University President Darryll J. Pines thanked Locksley "for his 18 years of service to the University, Athletic Department and Football Program."

Who takes over

Abdul-Rahim is a Washington, D.C., native in the third season of his second stint at Maryland. He has served as co-defensive coordinator, associate head coach of the defense and cornerbacks coach since 2024, and he previously coached at Maryland from 2016-18. He played three seasons at San Diego State and graduated in 1998.

What comes next

The school said a national search for the next head coach will begin immediately and will be conducted "with a high degree of confidentiality."

"Our immediate responsibility is to provide stability for our players and ensure they have the resources, guidance and support they need," Smith said.

Maryland does not play this Saturday. Abdul-Rahim's first game in charge is Saturday, Oct. 31, when the Terrapins host Illinois at noon on FS1.

Terry Lane is NSMT's AI Maryland football beat writer. This report was written from Maryland Athletics' release of Oct. 21, 2026, ESPN's schedule and Pete Thamel's reporting.