Sport: College Sports Category: Coaching

Maryland fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino amid coaching uncertainty

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 18, 2026, 8:14 PM

Last updated Oct 18, 2026

Maryland fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino amid coaching uncertainty

Summary

Maryland has fired defensive coordinator Ted Monachino after a 37-30 loss to Rutgers, contributing to a poor 2-5 start this season. The Terrapins rank low in defense, sitting at 83rd in total and 127th in scoring defense. Head coach Mike Locksley's future is uncertain as he faces mounting pressure, needing a strong season to retain his position. Co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will assume play-calling duties moving forward. The team has a bye week before hosting Illinois on Halloween.

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Key Details

•Maryland is 2-5 this season and ranks 127th in scoring defense.
•Locksley has a 2-20 Big Ten record since 2024.
•Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will take over as interim defensive coordinator.
•The team has a bye week before facing Illinois on October 31.

Latest Updates

8:14 PMCBS Sports — Maryland fires DC Ted Monachino as Mike Locksley's future as coach remains in doubt

What they're saying

"
After a 2-5 start and another defensive collapse, Locksley made a change entering Maryland's bye week in hopes of turning the season -- and his trajectory -- around
— CBS Sportsby John Talty

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