Following up on speculation that’s been making the rounds for a week or so, Maryland announced in a press release that Mike Locksley has been named as the Terrapins’ offensive coordinator.
The move is a homecoming of sorts for Locksley as he was raised in Washington D.C and spent six years (1998-02) as an assistant coach at the school as well. Locksley was hired as New Mexico’s head coach in December of 2008 but was fired before the midpoint of the 2011 season, ending a turbulent and scandal-plagued tenure with the Lobos.
Locksley will replace Gary Crowton, who was moved into a non-coaching administrative role last week but will be leaving the football program in three months to pursue other opportunities.
“Mike is passionate about Maryland football and we’re happy to welcome him back home,” head coach Randy Edsall said in a statement. “He has a tremendous offensive mind and his recruiting ties to the state of Maryland and the Washington, DC, area will play a key role for us moving forward. He brings excellent qualifications and a commitment to upholding the excellent standards of our university.”
In addition to his role as coordinator for Edsall, Locksley will also serve as quarterbacks coach.
“I’ve always had an affinity for this university and am honored to have the opportunity to rejoin the Maryland Terrapins family,” Locksley said. “I look forward to working with Coach Edsall and focusing my energy on leading our offense and recruiting student-athletes that will make a positive mark on the field and in our community.”
Prior to his time with the Lobos, Locksley served as the coordinator at Illinois from 2005-2008.