Alabama OC Mike Locksley Set to Become Terps Next Head Coach

Posted By on December 4, 2018

Additional reporting by Daniel Oyefusi

The University of Maryland will hire Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley as its next head coach, the team announced on Tuesday night. The news was first broken by Brett McMurphy of Watch Stadium and later confirmed by multiple other outlets before the university released a statement.

Locksley, a member of the Alabama staff since 2016, will return to a school and location he is familiar with. A Washington, D.C., native, Locksley served as Maryland’s running back coach from 1997-2002. From 2012-2015, he was the Terps offensive coordinator.

“I am thrilled to be returning home and to have the opportunity to lead the Maryland Football program,” the press release said, quoting Locksley. “This has always been a special place for me and my family, and I am honored to take on this role at the state’s flagship institution.”

In 2015, he also spent time as the team’s interim head coach, leading Maryland to a 1-5 record. Lockley’s other head coaching experience came with the University of New Mexico, where he went 2-26 with the Lobos during over three seasons before being fired four games into the 2011 season.

Most recently, Locksley was this year’s recipient of the Frank Broyles Award, which honors the top assistant coach in college football.

Maryland conducted interviews for the position with Locksley, Michigan State offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton and interim head coach Matt Canada. Canada was named interim coach in August after DJ Durkin was placed on administrative leave in August and eventually fired in October.

Under Canada’s leadership, Maryland finished 5-7, falling just one game short of bowl eligibility.

According to Washington Post reporter Roman Stubbs, Locksley is signing a five-year deal in which he will make around $2.5 million per year. The contract also has an option for an additional sixth season.

Locksley’s introductory press conference is set for Thursday.

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