Mike Locksley breaks silence on Maryland firing: ‘I kind of knew it was coming’

Mike Locksley breaks silence on Maryland firing: 'I kind of knew it was coming'.

Key points

• Locksley's last game at Maryland was a 37-30 loss to Rutgers on Oct.
• With their 2-5 start, the Terrapins have lost 20 of their past 30 games.
• Be sure to check out USA TODAY Sports' new College Football Unfiltered podcast, hosted by USA TODAY Sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer.
• In its five-game losing skid, Maryland has been outscored by its opponents 219-98.
• Maryland, with interim head coach Aazzar Abdul-Rahim, returns to action on Saturday, Oct.

Mike Locksley has broken his silence after his mutual parting ways with Maryland.

In speaking with ESPN's Heather Dinich, the ex-Terrapins coach remarked he's "at peace" with the decision that came on Wednesday, Oct. 21 that concluded his eight-year tenure, and that he won't be taking a job that involves "heavy laboring of a building" and one that will wear him out. WHO'S NEXT?: The top candidates for Maryland to replace Mike Locksley.

"To be honest I kind of knew it was coming, just didn't know when, " Locksley informed ESPN. "I'm not mad regarding leaving. I'm not. I'm at peace with it since I know it's better than what it was when I secured here. For context, a player died right before I obtained here and this place was burnt to the ground. Stabilized it, went to three bowls, NIL kicks in, and wasn't prepared for it."

Locksley's last game at Maryland was a 37-30 loss to Rutgers on Oct. 17. That defeat, the Terrapins' fifth in a row, dropped his overall record to 39-54. It includes six games as an interim coach in 2015 and his hiring full time before the 2019 season.

With their 2-5 start, the Terrapins have lost 20 of their past 30 games. As it has been more than a year since it last won a Sizeable Ten game, maryland's struggles extend to Major Ten play. The Terrapins have lost 12 straight conference contests.

In its five-game losing skid, Maryland has been outscored by its opponents 219-98. Maryland's defense has given up an average of 43.8 points to its opponents as well. It includes 449 total yards of offense given up to Ohio State.

"On behalf of the University of Maryland, I want to thank Michael for his dedication to our football program and the genuine care he showed our student-athletes, " Maryland athletic director Jim Smith remarked in an official note on Wednesday. "Michael represented Maryland with pride, strengthened our connection throughout the state and the region, and made a lasting impact on the young men he coached."

KEPT AWAY: Student reporters say Maryland called police on them after Locksley firing.

Locksley's buyout at Maryland is approximately $9.7 million as of Oct. After his parting with two more years left on his accord, according to a copy of his contract obtained via USA TODAY Sports, 21.

"It's actually not hard to win at Maryland, " Locksley continued to ESPN. "It's hard to win consistently at Maryland."

Maryland, with interim head coach Aazzar Abdul-Rahim, returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 31 at noon ET against Illinois.

Be sure to check out USA TODAY Sports' new College Football Unfiltered podcast, hosted by USA TODAY Sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer. You can stream on YouTube or download via Apple podcasts and Spotify. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

Taken together, the developments around mike Locksley breaks silence on Maryland firing: 'I kind of knew it point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.