# Maryland Fires Defensive Coach to Avoid $9M Payoff

> Maryland fires defensive coordinator to avoid $9.2m payout but struggles to fix season.
- Title: Maryland Fires Defensive Coach to Avoid $9M Payoff | Shortify
- Summary: Maryland fires defensive coordinator to avoid $9.2m payout but struggles to fix season. Maryland fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino to avoid $9.2m…
- Keywords: maryland terps, mike locksley, ted monachino, big ten, ncaa college football, defensive coordinator, five-loss team, byes week, sports, Maryland, Fires, Defensive
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-five-loss-big-ten-team-fires-assistant-coach-but-keeps-struggling-hc-to-avoid-nine-m-problem-maryland-terrapins-mike-locksley
- Author: Ameek Abdullah Jamal
- Published: 2026-10-19T06:55:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: maryland terps, mike locksley, ted monachino, big ten, ncaa college football, defensive coordinator, five-loss team, byes week, sports
## Maryland fires defensive coordinator
Maryland fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino to avoid $9.2m payout but remains winless in Big Ten play.

> I appreciate Ted’s hard work and dedication to our program during his time in College Park
## Monachino’s dismissal timing
Monachino was dismissed on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after a home defeat against Rutgers.
## Rutgers game collapse
Maryland lost 37-30 to Rutgers after a 23-13 halftime lead.
## Defensive struggles
Maryland defense allowed 442 yards and 219 points in last five games.
## Locksley’s contract
Locksley’s contract includes $9.2m buyout if dismissed without cause.
## New defensive staff
Aazaar Abdul-Rahim takes over as defensive coordinator for remaining games.
## Maryland’s record
Maryland sits at 2-5 overall and 0-4 in Big Ten play.
## Key takeaway

Maryland fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino to avoid $9.2m payout but remains winless in Big Ten play.