# Terps’ loss signals Locksley era end

> Maryland’s 35-26 loss to Virginia Tech shows Mike Locksley’s coaching struggles after eight years.
- Title: Terps’ loss signals Locksley era end · The Banner | Shortify
- Summary: Maryland’s 35-26 loss to Virginia Tech shows Mike Locksley’s coaching struggles after eight years. Maryland needs to fire Mike Locksley to fix recurring…
- Keywords: maryland terps, mike locksley, virginia tech, james franklin, college football, big ten, nfl, maryland athletics, donors, coach firing, news, local
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/college-sports/maryland-terps-hokies-mike-locksley-jim-smith-james-franklin-E7OR6VGSAJFI7HPZ372E65BMBA
- Author: Kyle Goon
- Published: 2026-09-20T03:28:14.269+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: maryland terps, mike locksley, virginia tech, james franklin, college football, big ten, nfl, maryland athletics, donors, coach firing, news, local
## Terps’ loss to Virginia Tech
Maryland lost 35-26 to Virginia Tech after struggling in big games for eight years.

> The Terps won’t change without firing Mike Locksley.
## Locksley’s coaching record
Locksley has a 10-2 record against Virginia Tech with a plus-24.5 scoring margin.
## Terps’ budget and losses
Maryland’s athletic budget hit $43.7 million but the team still loses consistently.
## Locksley’s team struggles
The Terps can’t tackle, cover, or run the ball consistently in high-stakes games.
## Fan reactions
Terps fans left early after the team’s 2-point conversion mistake in the fourth quarter.
## Athletic director’s stance
Jim Smith, Maryland’s athletic director, has supported Locksley despite the team’s poor performance.
## Locksley’s coaching history
Locksley has had five offensive coordinators across eight seasons with no consistent improvement.
## Terps’ roster issues
The Terps have talented players like Malik Washington but clear weaknesses in other areas.
## Locksley’s decision-making
Locksley chose a 2-point conversion that cost the Terps the game despite analytics.
## Donor support
Maryland raised $43.7 million in donations but the team’s performance hasn’t improved.
## Key takeaway

Maryland needs to fire Mike Locksley to fix recurring football failures.