Sep 12, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Randy Edsall watches from the sidelines against the Bowling Green Falcons at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
The rumors and speculation of last week became reality on Sunday, when Maryland announced it fired football coach Randy Edsall.
Edsall was dismissed one day after Maryland (2-4, 0-2 Big Ten) lost to No. 1 Ohio State 49-28 — the Terps’ third straight loss by 21 points or more.
“We appreciate Randy’s tireless commitment to the University of Maryland,” athletic director Kevin Anderson said in a statement. “This was a difficult decision, but ultimately this is the best course of action for our football program moving forward.”
The school owes Edsall $3.1 million in a buyout, according to a Sports Illustrated report.
Maryland finished 7-6 last year and went 22-34 under Edsall in his four-plus seasons at the helm.
He has been the target of complaints by alumni and boosters, who are being asked to help fund a $155 million indoor football facility that is scheduled to be built.
Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley will be the Terps’ interim head coach.
“Having spent more than a decade with the Maryland football program over the course of his career, I feel Mike is best suited to effectively guide our program through the remainder of the 2015 season,” Anderson said.
Locksley went 2-26 from three seasons as the head coach of New Mexico.
Maryland has a bye this week and faces Penn State on Oct. 24.
