The Maryland Terrapins got off to a strong start in the 2025 season at 4-0, and it gave hope that Mike Locksley might finally be safe from scrutiny. That optimism faded after the Terps’ 55-10 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, as they dropped to 4-4.
Meanwhile, Sunday brought another major coaching shakeup as Auburn fired Hugh Freeze. With other head coaches such as Billy Napier, James Franklin, and DeShaun Foster already having lost their positions, Locksley’s job security is now also a topic of conversation.
What is the Projected Buyout for Mike Locksley If He is Fired Without cause in 2025?
Locksley has served as Maryland’s head coach since 2019. His buyout is projected to be around $13 million if he were dismissed without cause in late 2025. According to USA Today, this is the lowest buyout in the Big Ten, making his potential firing easier.
The buyout amount comes from Locksley’s 2023 contract extension, which keeps him under contract through the 2027 season. He is set to earn $6.1 million this year, with annual raises to $6.4 million in 2026 and $6.7 million in 2027.
Locksley received the new contract after guiding the Terps to an 8-5 record in 2022, marking their most wins since 2010. However, he is now on track for a second consecutive losing season.
In 2024, Maryland finished 4-8 overall with a 1-8 mark in Big Ten play and missed out on a bowl game. The Terrapins have dropped four straight games this season, including the lopsided loss to Indiana on Saturday.
“Fire Locksley” chants were heard from the student section throughout the Indiana game. Many fans even left before the third quarter ended, with Locksley’s squad trailing by 31 points.
In his postgame conference, Locksley also expressed frustration with the disappointing performance. “Can’t hang our heads,” Locksley said. “I obviously didn’t coach well enough. The players obviously didn’t execute well enough. You know, one of the things that I’ll continue to say is that we’re not going to be victims. We’ll get this thing corrected.
“If we were number one in the country in turnover margin, I would imagine that we’ve worked on ball security issues. Today I’m gonna chalk it up to just, we weren’t very good.”
The Terps now have one of the longest losing streaks against ranked conference opponents in college football. Meanwhile, Locksley’s record at Maryland stands at 37-45 overall (17-44 in Big Ten play), and his potential firing can be approaching as well.
Maryland ranks No. 59 in the PFSN CFB Playoff Meter. The Terps’ next game is against Rutgers next weekend.