After winning the Broyles Award, Alabama offensive coordinator Michael Locksley will join the ranks of former Tide assistants Kirby Smart and Jeremy Pruitt — in trying to game plan for postseason action while setting his philosophy as a head coach at a new program.
In a report from Brett McMurphy, a College Football insider for Stadium, Locksley has accepted the coaching job at the University of Maryland. He interviewed for the position after Alabama defeated Georgia, 35-28 in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. McMurphy states in the report – citing sources – that Locksley will be introduced as the Terrapins next coach at press conference on Thursday.
The 48-year-old was among three finalists for the job with Prep Hamilton of Michigan and Matt Canada; the interim coach for Maryland.
RELATED: Mike Locksley awarded the Broyles Award
Hailing from Washington, D.C., Locksley had previously served two stints with the school at running backs’ coach and run game coordinator from 1997-02, before becoming the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks’ coach and interim head coach from 2012-15.
He produced a few talented players, including receiver Stefon Diggs.
While being in Tuscaloosa helped him cope with a difficult moment in his life (losing his son), maybe it is time for him to venture out again.
Dan Enos (quarterbacks’ coach) and Josh Gattis (wide receivers’ coach) remain on Nick Saban’s staff, and seeing how Enos had success at Arkansas as a play caller, he would be the obvious choice to bump up.
For now, Locksley intends to help the Tide get through the College Football Playoff and hopefully capture a national championship.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
