Photo via Yahoo Sports

Terrapins Fire Defensive Coordinator Ted Monachino Midseason After 5-Game Tailspin

The University of Maryland football program has made a dramatic midseason shift, firing defensive coordinator Ted Monachino after a five-game losing streak exposed critical defensive failures. The Terrapins’ unit has collapsed under Monachino’s leadership, surrendering explosive plays and failing to protect leads, culminating in a 37–30 home loss to Rutgers.

Maryland now ranks last in the Big Ten in scoring defense, allowing an average of 33.3 points per game and 32 total touchdowns through seven contests. Opponents have scored on 21 of 22 red-zone trips (95.5%), with 18 of those conversions coming as touchdowns, underscoring the defense’s inability to force field goals or stop high-leverage drives.

The slide began with a 38–31 loss to West Virginia, worsened by a 54–21 drubbing at UCLA, and continued with a 48–24 defeat to Nebraska, where the defense struggled to contain early-down gains. Head coach Mike Locksley cited systemic breakdowns, including poor gap discipline, shaky coverage, and a lack of tempo control, as reasons for the abrupt change.

Maryland’s defense has also allowed the most time of possession in the conference, averaging just 27:02 per game, further stifling the team’s ability to dictate games.

Up nextCollege Football· 2h ago

Weekday CUSA Previews: 2026 Week 8