{
  "id": 10053839,
  "title": "Mike Locksley contract buyout: How much would it cost to fire Maryland coach?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/mike-locksley-contract-buyout-how-much-would-it-cost-to-fire-maryland",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T20:07:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mike-locksley-contract-buyout-much-200724113.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The situation surrounding Maryland football coach Mike Locksley has become increasingly precarious. The team's struggles, highlighted by a 34-3 loss to UCLA, have exacerbated concerns about the direction of the program. Locksley's job security was already in question following a pair of 4-8 seasons, with the Terrapins now facing a 2-2 record with two losses before the end of September, a first in Locksley's tenure in 2019.\n\nThe situation came to a head when USA TODAY Sports obtained a copy of Locksley's contract, revealing the cost of purchasing his services. Should Maryland decide to fire him without cause by December 31, 2026, the buyout would amount to $9.2 million. The coach's current salary for the 2026 season is $6.4 million, divided into $600,000 in base pay and $5.8 million in supplemental compensation.\n\nLocksley's contract extends through the 2028 season, with an anticipated increase in pay. For 2027, his salary would be $6.7 million, and for 2028, it would be $7 million. If fired, he would be owed 65% of his salary, totaling $9.2 million. This contract is set to significantly impact Maryland's financial situation if a decision is made to part ways with the coach.",
  "summary": "Mike Locksley's seat is hot after Maryland had another poor performance against UCLA on Saturday that came with plenty of boos.",
  "key_points": [
    "Maryland faces $9.2 million buyout to fire coach Mike Locksley",
    "Locksley's current salary for 2026 season is $6.4 million",
    "Contract extends through 2028 season with increasing pay"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}