Maryland AD Addresses Locksley Dismissal as Abdul-Rahim Takes Over

Maryland athletic director Jim Smith offered limited detail about Mike Locksley’s dismissal in his first public comments since the coaching change, while endorsing interim coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim’s opportunity to move the program forward.

Speaking Tuesday at SECU Stadium, Smith said the team’s bye week gave him time to consider the decision rather than act immediately after a game, according to Baltimore Sun reporting supplied in the sports file.

The university announced Locksley’s departure Oct. 21, three days after he fired defensive coordinator Ted Monachino. Smith did not describe his final conversation with Locksley or provide a detailed account of the discussions leading to the dismissal.

The change followed Maryland’s 37–30 loss to Rutgers, its fifth consecutive defeat and 12th straight loss against a Big Ten opponent. The report lists Locksley’s overall record at Maryland as 39–54, including 16–47 in conference play.

Abdul-Rahim’s responsibilities changed rapidly during that stretch. He moved from associate head coach for defense, co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach to defensive coordinator after Monachino’s dismissal, then became interim head coach.

Abdul-Rahim said he views the assignment as a chance to build the program rather than merely bridge the gap to another coach. Smith said he will be considered for the permanent position, but no permanent appointment was announced.

Sophomore quarterback Malik Washington and outside linebacker Sidney Stewart described the transition as surprising despite speculation about Locksley’s future.

Washington credited Locksley with helping him grow both on and off the field. Stewart also spoke positively about the former coach’s influence while acknowledging the pressure on head coaches to deliver results.

The players and new interim coach emphasized shifting their attention to the remaining schedule.

Abdul-Rahim described the final five games as a fresh start and said the bye week gave the team an opportunity to examine what it was doing well and what needed to improve.

The supplied report lists Illinois as Maryland’s next opponent, visiting Saturday for a noon kickoff. Illinois entered that matchup at 4–3 overall and 2–2 in the Big Ten.

For Maryland, the immediate task is to end its losing stretch while the program evaluates its longer-term direction. Abdul-Rahim has an opportunity to make his case, but being considered for the permanent job is not the same as being selected.