NFL
By: Nathan Snell
Michael Locksley is familiar with the University of Maryland as a Coach. Dating back to 1997-2002, when he began as a running back coach and later became a recruiting coordinator.
From 2003 to 2011, Locksley was in a variety of positions. In Florida, he held the same position he had at College Park from 1998 to 2002. Locksley saw an upgrade to offensive coordinator at Illinois from 2005 to 2008. He served as the Head Coach at New Mexico from 2009 to 2011.
There was a brief return to College Park as the offensive coordinator, and in the 2015 season named interim head coach.
Locksley was a part of Nick Saban’s staff with multiple positions within the offense and coached some great talent that went on to the NFL.
Then came 2019, after winning the Broyles Award, an award given to the top coaching assistant. Locksley was the 21st football head coach.
This is where context matters. Locksley inherited a football team from D.J. Durkin. Before Locksley, the context of the first two years was a transition from Durkin, in the aftermath of the death of Jordan McNair, and other reports stating a toxic environment of questionable behaviors that members of the Champions Club doubled down on.
While most will say Locksley has not beaten the good teams. The counter argument would since former head coach Ralph Friedgen as of 2000, he is the only other coach with multiply bowl victories.
But as of last year the calling of his job has become more opened. Former Maryland Terrapin Alumnus Len Elmore (Basketball) has spoken. Last season was disappointing, most would agree.
But a coach can’t coach effort, there were several firings/removals that took place, and on top of that majority of the roster that propelled Maryland to three bowl wins was gone.
How can we call for Locksley’s job when this has not been done publicity to no one else?
Maryland is a great school, but in terms of NIL there is a lacking. But that should not be the main focus. The focus for this young group to buy in.
Maryland recently hired Jim Smith as new athletic director.
Locksley and Buzz Williams who is the head coach for the Men’s Basketball team were Damon Evans hire who has since left SMU.
So Here is the question that you should think about. What is Maryland’s identity in the Big Ten?
Coach Locksley could be building something special this season with a young core. While most predict Maryland to finish at the bottom of the conference.
Like or Not, even coach is not going to perfect. Even program is going to be perfect.
From 2011 to 2018. Maryland WENT THROUGH A LOT. There is some much that needs to be fixed in terms of NIL, and more importantly fan support.
