Maryland fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino after Rutgers loss
The Terrapins' defense ranks 127th in scoring nationally as coach Mike Locksley's future grows uncertain.
Maryland fired defensive coordinator Ted Monachino on Sunday, October 18, after the Terrapins' 37-30 loss to Rutgers, according to CBS Sports and the USA TODAY Network. The change was announced by head coach Mike Locksley, who relieved Monachino of his duties as defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach.
The decision follows five consecutive losses for Maryland, a skid in which the defense conceded an average of 43.8 points per game, the USA TODAY Network reported. The unit ranks last in the Big Ten in scoring defense (33.3 points per game) and 14th in total defense (366.6 yards per game).
Nationally, Maryland's defence was ranked 83rd in total defense, 84th in pass defense, 85th in rush defense and 127th in scoring defense at the time of the firing, according to CBS Sports. In the Rutgers defeat, the Terrapins gave up 37 points at home.
Locksley said he appreciated Monachino's hard work and dedication to the programme during his time in College Park. He added that he believed the change was necessary as he evaluated the programme, according to CBS Sports.
Co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will take over defensive play-calling responsibilities as Maryland's interim defensive coordinator, CBS Sports reported. Inside linebackers coach Zac Spavital will add the co-defensive coordinator title, according to the USA TODAY Network.
Monachino had been Maryland's defensive coordinator for the last two seasons after arriving from North Carolina, where he spent two years on Mack Brown's staff, the USA TODAY Network reported.
CBS Sports reported that Locksley's long-term job status is also very much in doubt. After going 4-8 in 2024 and 2025, Locksley entered the 2026 season needing to win around seven games or better to keep his job into 2027. He has not beaten a Power Four opponent in more than a calendar year and holds a 2-20 Big Ten conference record since the 2024 season.
CBS Sports said letting Locksley fire Monachino to try to improve the defense headed into a bye week was another example of Maryland's approach. Maryland has a bye this week before a Halloween home game against Illinois.
Maryland heads into its Week 8 bye with a 2-5 overall record, according to the USA TODAY Network. The Terrapins host Illinois on Saturday, October 31, at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland.
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Sources and context
- Maryland fires DC Ted Monachino as Mike Locksley's future as coach remains in doubtCBS Sports
- Maryland football makes coaching change, fires DC Ted Monachinoyahoo.com
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.