Maryland fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino after loss to Rutgers

The University of Maryland football program has fired defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino after a loss to Rutgers, The Baltimore Banner reported. The decision came one day after the Terps allowed 24 points in the second half of the game, contributing to a 37-30 defeat.

Interim defensive leadership will be handled by Aazaar Abdul-Rahim and Zac Spavital for the remainder of the season, according to the program's announcement. Head coach Mike Locksley, under pressure due to the team's 2-5 record, stated the change was necessary after evaluating the program.

Monachino, 60, has an extensive coaching background including 16 years in the NFL and a tenure as linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2010 to 2015, during which the Ravens won the Super Bowl. He was hired by Maryland in 2025 but the defense has struggled, ranking last in the Big Ten in points allowed per game.

Maryland’s defense has allowed an average of 33.29 points per game, placing them 127th nationally and worst in their conference. In Big Ten play, opponents have scored an average of 46 points per game, with four games seeing a 100-yard rusher against the Terps.

Monachino’s contract was set to expire in December 2026, with a salary of $1.25 million this season. Due to the early termination, he is reportedly owed approximately $200,000, which is 75% of the remainder of his salary.

The Terps now face a bye week before upcoming games against Purdue, Wisconsin, USC, and Penn State, with defensive adjustments expected to be a focus moving forward.