# Maryland Needs New Football Coach

> Maryland fires Michael Locksley; 16 candidates named for head coaching role.
- Title: Maryland Needs New Football Coach · The Banner | Shortify
- Summary: Maryland fires Michael Locksley; 16 candidates named for head coaching role. Maryland needs new football coach after Michael Locksley steps down, with 16…
- Keywords: maryland, football, coaching, michael locksley, head coach, maryland football, terps, college football, candidates, james madison, wake forest, south florida
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/college-sports/maryland-football-terps-head-coaching-candidates-replace-locksley-SIKTVZBQJNHJPIA7URDJRTJSTU
- Author: Jonas Shaffer
- Published: 2026-10-21T16:49:50.39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: maryland, football, coaching, michael locksley, head coach, maryland football, terps, college football, candidates, james madison, wake forest, south florida
## Maryland needs new head coach
Maryland needs a new football coach after Michael Locksley stepped down.
## Locksley's record
Locksley went 39-54 in seven-plus seasons at Maryland.
## Athletic director statement
Athletic director Jim Smith said they are aligned on providing investment and resources for Maryland Football.
## 16 potential candidates
The article names 16 potential candidates for Maryland's head coaching role.
## Up-and-coming head coaches
Up-and-coming head coaches are listed as potential candidates for Maryland's head coaching role.
## Wake Forest's Jake Dickert
Dickert has 23-20 record at Washington State and 15-5 at Wake Forest, including a five-win turnaround in 2025.
## New Mexico's Jason Eck
Eck led New Mexico to their first nine-win season in nearly a decade.
## South Florida's Brian Hartline
Hartline coached South Florida to a 5-2 record this season.
## Memphis' Charles Huff
Huff coached Memphis to a 5-2 record this season.
## Florida Atlantic's Zach Kittley
Kittley became youngest head coach in FBS at age 33 and led FAU to a 4-2 record.
## Oregon State's JaMarcus Shephard
Shephard has led Oregon State to a 5-2 record with five straight wins.
## Western Michigan's Lance Taylor
Taylor has led Western Michigan to a 5-2 record this season.
## Montana State's Brent Vigen
Vigen has led Montana State to a 6-1 record this season.
## Retread head coaches
Duke coach Manny Diaz and UNLV coach Dan Mullen are listed as potential candidates.
## James Madison coach Billy Napier
Napier has a 7-0 record at James Madison.
## Key takeaway

Maryland needs new football coach after Michael Locksley steps down, with 16 potential candidates listed.