Maryland just fired Mike Locksley, officially kicking off the Power Four coaching carousel earlier than anyone expected. The Terrapins are in the market for a new head coach after Locksley’s seven-plus seasons at the helm ended with a 39-54 record. This wasn’t some slow burn; Locksley’s program stumbled out to a brutal 2-5 start in a must-win 2026 season, capped by a homecoming loss to Rutgers on Saturday, and that was it. The school is shelling out a hefty $9.75 million in buyout money, according to sources, which tells you just how urgently they wanted a fresh start.
The Stakes Are High For AD Jim Smith’s First Major Move
This isn’t just another coaching change; it’s a statement. Maryland is the first Power Four school to make a move this season, which is way earlier than last year’s carousel. This hire is absolutely massive for athletic director Jim Smith, who only arrived in July 2025. This is his first big swing, and it’s a critical one for the program’s direction. As of Wednesday, Maryland isn’t waiting for others; it’s the best job available, even with other Power Four spots like Florida State potentially opening up later. The pressure is on to get this right and bring in a program builder who can actually get results in College Park.
Who Could Be The Next Terrapins Head Honcho?
So, who are the big names Maryland might be eyeing? Industry sources are already buzzing. Jake Dickert, Wake Forest’s second-year coach, is absolutely scorching hot right now. The 43-year-old has Wake Forest ranked No. 17 in the country with an impressive 14-5 record midway through his second season. He even found success at Washington State before this, and folks see him as a true program builder who isn’t tied down to one specific area. Seriously, every school with an opening is going to be knocking on Dickert’s door.
Then there’s Manny Diaz, Duke’s head coach and former Miami HC. He’s got a good thing cooking in Durham, winning the ACC last year and keeping the Blue Devils competitive this season with a 4-2 start. What’s really blowing people away is that he’s doing it without Darian Mensah, who dipped for Miami right at the transfer portal deadline. Maryland would have to make a huge play for Diaz; he’s definitely a longshot candidate.
Don’t sleep on Jason Eck from New Mexico either. This guy is a proven winner, racking up a 40-18 record at places that are notoriously tough to succeed. Maryland could offer him a massive raise and a shot at a Power Four program, but Eck, a former Wisconsin offensive lineman, might be waiting to see if his alma mater opens up. Colorado also has him on their radar if Deion Sanders bounces, so Eck can afford to be picky. He’d be a home-run hire for the Terps, no doubt.
If they decide to go the coordinator route, Indiana’s staff is loaded. Bryant Haines won the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant last season, and he’s had NFL teams sniffing around. He’s a future NFL defensive coordinator or college head coach for sure. His fellow coordinator, 36-year-old Mike Shanahan, out of Pennsylvania, is also a top name.
Maryland has a huge decision on its hands. With the season already in a tailspin at 2-5, the urgency to find the right leader is through the roof. This hire isn’t just about the rest of this season, it’s about the next five or ten years. Fans need a reason to believe again, and whoever Smith brings in will face immense pressure to deliver. Get ready, because this coaching search is just getting started, and it’s going to be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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