Michael Locksley will continue as head coach of the Maryland Terrapins football team through the 2026 season, despite the team’s ongoing struggles. Athletic director Jim Smith announced this decision in a letter to fans, emphasizing the need for Locksley to receive unwavering support as he aims to rebuild the program.
“To continue building on this foundation, Coach Locksley needs — and deserves — the full support of our department, our university, and all of Terp Nation,” Smith stated. He assured fans that the university is committed to providing the necessary resources for success, particularly focusing on strengthening support for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives and enhancing recruiting efforts.
This announcement follows a disappointing 24-6 defeat against Illinois, marking Maryland’s sixth consecutive loss. The Terrapins, now holding a record of 4-6 and 1-6 in the Big Ten, opened the season with four victories but have since struggled, losing close matches against Washington, Nebraska, and UCLA, as well as heavier defeats against ranked opponents Indiana and Rutgers.
The mounting pressure on Locksley’s position had led to speculation regarding a potential dismissal and a buyout of nearly $13.5 million. However, Smith’s recent affirmation of Locksley’s role should quell some of the uncertainty surrounding the coach’s future.
Locksley did not directly address his job security following the game but expressed determination to motivate his team to break their losing streak. “We’ll keep pouring everything we have into this team,” he said. “There’s no quit in this team. We’re still playing for a lot. We have two opportunities left.” The team’s next challenge will be against No. 18 Michigan.
Struggles in the Red Zone Persist
One of the most pressing issues for the Terrapins has been their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, particularly in the red zone. Maryland ranks last in the Big Ten for touchdown efficiency, managing only a 35.5% conversion rate this season. During the game against Illinois, the team failed to score touchdowns on both of their trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, settling for a field goal instead.
Locksley acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “They finished their long drives with touchdowns, and we didn’t score enough touchdowns. Sometimes it’s just that simple.” The Terps have not found the end zone in the red zone since October 18, when they faced UCLA, and they have not scored a touchdown in their last 10 attempts.
Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny
As the team seeks to regain momentum, strategic decisions during games have come under scrutiny. In a critical moment against Illinois, Maryland opted to punt rather than attempt to convert a fourth-and-5 from their own 40-yard line. This conservative approach drew criticism, especially as the team was trailing and in desperate need of a comeback.
Locksley defended the decision, citing confidence in the defense to create a turnover. “I thought the way we played defense the last drive, if we could just get a stop to change the field position, it shortens our drive there for the quarterback,” he explained. Unfortunately for the Terps, their defense could not stop Illinois, who effectively ran down the clock.
Freshman Quarterback Faces Challenges
Freshman quarterback Malik Washington, who had a standout performance the previous week, struggled against Illinois. He managed only six yards on four carries and failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season. Washington completed 25 of 46 passes for 238 yards but expressed disappointment in his performance.
“One of my priorities should have involved just continuing to keep my eyes downfield,” Washington reflected. “I had some opportunities to make plays that I missed.” Locksley chose not to single out Washington for criticism, pointing to a collective need for improvement within the team.
“Obviously, we all didn’t play well enough — whether it was us as coaches calling it or us as players executing it,” he remarked. As the team prepares for their next match, finding a way to restore confidence and performance will be crucial for the Terrapins.
The Maryland Terrapins now face a pivotal game against Michigan, where a win could revive their hopes for bowl eligibility. The outcome will not only impact the team’s immediate future but also the trajectory of Locksley’s tenure as head coach.
