A Blowout Loss Raises Questions
On Saturday, Maryland absorbed a 54-3 rout at the hands of unranked UCLA, ranking among the worst defeats the program has endured under Mike Locksley. The Terrapins now sit at 2-2, marking yet another rough stretch for a team that has gone two decades without surpassing eight wins in a single season. It also represents the earliest point Maryland has reached two losses before October since 2019, Locksley's first year leading the program on a full-time basis.[S1]
The Cost of a Coaching Change
Per USA TODAY, Maryland would be on the hook for $9.2 million to Locksley should the school dismiss him at any point during the current calendar year. Relative to the enormous buyouts handed out around college football a season ago, that number is fairly modest. Locksley's compensation is scheduled at $6.4 million for this year, $6.7 million in 2027, and $7 million in 2028.[S1]
A Washington Times examination of the terms of Locksley's deal shows that this year had initially been slated to close out his agreement. However, because the Terrapins hit the seven-win mark in both 2022 and 2023, rolling one-year extensions kicked in automatically, which now keeps him under contract through the conclusion of 2028.[S1]
Pressure Builds as Big Ten Play Looms
Speculation about Locksley's standing at Maryland keeps intensifying. This week, Maryland Athletics declined to take further questions from media members following a heated back-and-forth about his job status. Sitting at 2-2 with the toughest portion of the Big Ten schedule still to come, reversing the Terps' fortunes becomes an even taller order. How the remainder of the year unfolds will determine whether a change is made during the season or once it ends.[S1]
