Maryland has had an eventful 2011. They hired Randy Edsall, unveiled hideous new uniforms, went 1-10 against FBS teams, nearly sparked a mutiny, was forced to cut eight varsity sports and engendered a climate foul enough for 19 players to depart, seven since this season ended. It would have been hard to make the Terps more of a laughingstock, but, through sheer determination, the Edsall-Anderson duumvirate found a way to do it. Reports indicate Maryland has found its new offensive coordinator, Mike Locksley. Yes, that Mike Locksley.
This hiring, devoid of context, makes sense. Maryland needs help running an offense and recruiting. Locksley’s last two offenses as a coordinator for Illinois were in the top twenty. As a former Maryland assistant and a DC native he has connections throughout the state and is a renowned recruiter. Five-star offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio from Maryland narrowed down his final three last winter to Alabama, Auburn and New Mexico because of Locksley.
For all the positive aspects of the hiring, however, Locksley comes with ample baggage from his two and a half tumultuous seasons at New Mexico. He had more job-threatening controversies (three) than wins (two). He embroiled the university in an age discrimination and sexual harassment suit. He was suspended for a game without pay for punching an assistant coach in the face. He was fired after an underage kid claiming to be a recruit was stopped for DWI in his car. He also maintains the stain from losing 26 of 28 games in charge. For a university purportedly made squeamish by Mike Leach’s baggage, this hiring is astounding.
P.S. For those assuming 18-year-olds love the uniforms, Maryland currently has Rivals’ 12th ranked recruiting class in the ACC, out of 12 teams. This is their lowest place, since Rivals started ranking in 2002. Their second worst was last year’s 9th place finish. The Terps will land just one of the top 13 recruits in Maryland this year.
Come to Maryland: Where you can not talk to the media, not have a name on the back of your jersey, look like a jackass and get to spend some intimate moments with Captain Bligh!
Four-star kids will be flocking.
Previously: Maryland’s Randy Edsall Hiring Has Been a Disaster
Previously: Maryland Trying to Become Under Armor’s Oregon
