COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland’s next game will be its first without Ted Monachino running the defense. Head coach Michael Locksley made that call on Sunday, ending Monachino’s time as defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach.
The move came a day after a fifth straight loss. Rutgers put up 37 points in College Park on Saturday, and most of the damage came late — 24 points after halftime, according to USA TODAY.
“I appreciate Ted’s hard work and dedication to our program during his time in College Park. As I evaluate our program, I believe this change is necessary. We wish Ted all the best moving forward.”
The numbers explain the pressure. Maryland is giving up 33.3 points a game. Nobody in the Big Ten is worse. Total defense is not much better — 14th, at 366.6 yards a game. Over the five losses, the average score against Maryland is 43.8 points.
Monachino was in his second season on Locksley’s staff. He joined Maryland last season after two years on Mack Brown’s staff at North Carolina.
The job now goes to Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, who will run the defense for the rest of the season, Maryland Athletics announced. Zac Spavital moves up too. The inside linebackers coach will work as co-defensive coordinator.
The Terrapins sit at 2-5. They do not play again until Saturday, Oct. 31, when Illinois comes to SECU Stadium in College Park.
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