iStockphoto / Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Maryland fired its defensive coordinator after a loss to Rutgers.
The Maryland football team fell to Big Ten rival Rutgers on Saturday at home. Mike Locksley fired his defensive coordinator after the fact.
He found a scapegoat in order to keep his job. It provides further evidence that the Terrapins do not want to pay his buyout.
The school simply refuses to eat the near-$10 million exit fee. It continues to express patience despite its head coach’s failures.
Mike Locksley fired his coordinator.
Maryland defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino has been relieved of his coaching duties. The announcement came from coach Mike Locksley.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 18, 2026
The defense has been bad this year. It ranks 126th nationally in points allowed, giving up 33.3 per night. The unit has surrendered 35 points or more in five straight contests.
On Saturday, Maryland entered as a slight home favorite. It was beaten 37-30 by Rutgers, which extended the program’s losing streak against Power 4 competition to 13 games. They have not beaten a Big Ten foe since last year’s conference opener.
Defensive coordinator Ted Monachino did not survive the loss. His defense allowed 442 yards of offense. It gave up 24 points in the second half. As a result, Monachino is no longer employed by the university. Locksley, however, is.
Mike Locksley has long been on the hot seat. The Terps have posted back-to-back 4-8 campaigns. They are 2-5 this year. They’ve gone 2-20 in league play during that span.
Fans are not happy. Boos are heard frequently. Attendance is down. Support is lacking.
Despite the noise surrounding his future, the school has stayed on his side. He has not lost his job. Money appears to be playing a role, though there are other factors involved. At this time, administration does not want to pull the trigger.
Maryland won’t fire its football coach.
Pete Nakos of On3 wrote about the head coaching situation after the Rutgers loss. He said the following in his breakdown.
“While pressure continues to build around the Maryland football program for a decision on Mike Locksley, sources tell On3 it appears unlikely a move is made on Sunday leading into the Terrapins bye week.”
It would seem an ideal time to make a move with an off-week coming. The team would have 14 days to get adjusted to any staff changes. Those counting the days until Locksley is fired will have to wait a little bit longer.
Nakos suggests that there is no backup plan. Maryland does not have a suitable replacement for Locksley. Nakos also touched on potential recruiting repercussions.
Donors cried broke last year when discussions of a firing surfaced. At that time, the buyout was north of $13 million.
It’s since decreased to around $9.2 million. It will continue to go down as the season moves along. At this point, the year is lost. Hopes of making a bowl game are slim.
Rather than fire Mike Locksley at a higher price in the middle of the season, the Terrapins are being patient. For now, he appears somewhat safe. He should survive the regular season.
He might not make it to the offseason, though, if the downward spiral continues.