Wed Mar 26 23:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Maryland Football Coach Locksley Confident Despite Past Season, Embraces New NIL Landscape

**COLLEGE PARK, MD** – Maryland Terrapins football coach Mike Locksley expressed confidence, not pressure, heading into the 2024 season, following a 4-8 record last year. This newfound optimism stems largely from the Big Ten’s new revenue-sharing model, which Locksley believes will level the playing field for programs like Maryland.

The Terps football program is expecting a significant boost in its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) budget, jumping from a fraction of what many Big Ten schools had last season to an estimated $12-14 million. Locksley stated that this increased funding presents an opportunity for growth, not pressure. “When this landscape changed, I told our fans – I embrace it,” he said. “This is good for Maryland. It’s not pressure for me. I made it out of Southeast D.C., and I’m the head coach at my dream school. What other pressure could there be?”

Locksley declined to comment on recent remarks made by basketball coach Kevin Willard regarding departmental NIL funding, stating that such matters are internal. He emphasized his focus on building a successful football program with the resources he has.

The coach also announced a shift in philosophy. After previously emphasizing player development, Locksley declared that the focus is now squarely on immediate success: “We’re out of that model now,” he said. “It’s about what you can do now. The best is now.” He acknowledged that last season’s internal struggles were partly due to the disparity in NIL compensation among players. He believes the new revenue-sharing model will alleviate this issue.

Locksley also discussed his recent NFL interview, framing it as a valuable learning experience for managing a professional-style program. He highlighted the development of several players, including cornerback Braydon Lee, and emphasized the experience and NFL connections of his coaching staff.

Spring practice, Locksley explained, will focus on fundamental skills, player evaluation, and system implementation. He expects the increased NIL funding and the changes he has made to address issues within the team to result in improved on-field performance.

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