# Kyle Goon: Terps need next Curt Cignetti

> Maryland must find a coach like Curt Cignetti to end football's 15-year decline.
- Title: Kyle Goon: Terps need next Curt Cignetti · The Banner
- Summary: Maryland must find a coach like Curt Cignetti to end football's 15-year decline. Maryland needs a coach who can win without big money to end football's…
- Keywords: maryland, terps, michael locksley, curt cignetti, indiana, big ten, football, coaching, donor base, transfer portal, news, local
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/college-sports/terps-football-coach-mike-locksley-curt-cignetti-GBHPSYRR2JAORLOLIAJQY7DC7Q
- Author: Kyle Goon
- Published: 2026-10-22T15:20:47.192+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: maryland, terps, michael locksley, curt cignetti, indiana, big ten, football, coaching, donor base, transfer portal, news, local
## Terps football in crisis
Maryland football has been struggling with a 2-5 record and a 12-game losing streak against conference opponents.
## Locksley stepping down
Maryland football coach Michael Locksley is stepping down after a period of decline.
## Athletic director Jim Smith
Maryland athletic director Jim Smith has a mandate to broaden the program's athletic budget and fundraising.
## Cignetti's success
Curt Cignetti led Indiana to a national championship with a team that included 13 transfers from James Madison.
## Terps need competitive coach
Maryland needs a coach who is detail-oriented and focused on winning without relying on big resources.
## Locksley's challenges
Locksley's teams struggled with running, tackling, and penalties, allowing opponents to come back from behind.
## Cignetti's approach
Cignetti has a professional, ruthlessly efficient approach with winning results but minimal player interaction.
## Donor base limitations
Maryland's donor base cannot match the budgets of top programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.
## Risk of change
Maryland risks finding a coach who can elevate the program without immediate big resources.
## Next steps
Maryland must find a coach who can win without big money to end football's 15-year decline.
## Key takeaway

Maryland needs a coach who can win without big money to end football's 15-year slump.