Mike Locksley

Who is Mike Locksley?

Michael Kevin Locksley Sr. is an American football coach and former player who is the head football coach at the University of Maryland, College Park. Locksley previously served as the head coach at the University of New Mexico from 2009 to 2011.

As a player, Locksley was a three-time letterman at quarterback for the University of Maryland from 1985 to 1988. Following his playing career, Locksley began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Maryland in 1989. He has since held coaching positions at several other schools, including the University of Florida, the University of Alabama, and the University of Illinois.

In 2015, Locksley was named the head coach at the University of Maryland. In his first season, the Terrapins went 3-9. However, the team improved to 6-7 in 2016 and 7-6 in 2017. In 2018, the Terrapins went 10-3 and won the Big Ten Conference championship game. This was the first time that Maryland had won a conference championship in football since 1985.

Locksley is a well-respected coach who has a reputation for developing quarterbacks. He is also known for his recruiting ability. Locksley has been credited with helping to turn around the Maryland football program.

Main article topics

• Mike Locksley's playing career
• Mike Locksley's coaching career
• Mike Locksley's achievements
• Mike Locksley's impact on the Maryland football program

Mike Locksley

Mike Locksley is an American football coach and former player who is the head football coach at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is a well-respected coach who has a reputation for developing quarterbacks and for his recruiting ability.

• Head coach
• Quarterback
• Maryland
• Florida
• Alabama
• Big Ten
• Championship

These key aspects highlight Mike Locksley's career as a player and coach. He was a three-time letterman at quarterback for the University of Maryland and has since held coaching positions at several other schools, including the University of Florida, the University of Alabama, and the University of Illinois. In 2015, he was named the head coach at the University of Maryland. In his first season, the Terrapins went 3-9. However, the team improved to 6-7 in 2016 and 7-6 in 2017. In 2018, the Terrapins went 10-3 and won the Big Ten Conference championship game. This was the first time that Maryland had won a conference championship in football since 1985.

1. Head coach

A head coach is the person responsible for leading and managing a sports team. They are responsible for making decisions about the team's strategy, tactics, and personnel. Head coaches also work with the team's assistant coaches to develop and implement practice plans and game plans.

• Leadership
  

  Head coaches must be strong leaders who can motivate and inspire their players. They must also be able to make tough decisions and hold their players accountable.

• Strategy
  

  Head coaches must be able to develop and implement effective game plans. They must also be able to make adjustments to their plans based on the opposing team's strengths and weaknesses.

• Personnel
  

  Head coaches must be able to evaluate and recruit talented players. They must also be able to develop and manage their players' skills.

• Communication
  

  Head coaches must be able to communicate effectively with their players, assistant coaches, and the media. They must also be able to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.

Mike Locksley is a successful head coach who has a proven track record of success. He has led his teams to several conference championships and bowl games. Locksley is a respected coach who is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and for his recruiting ability.

2. Quarterback

A quarterback is a player in American football who calls the plays and directs the offense. They are responsible for passing, handing off, or running with the football. Quarterbacks must be intelligent, athletic, and have strong leadership skills.

• Leadership
  

  Quarterbacks are the leaders of their teams. They must be able to motivate and inspire their teammates, as well as make quick decisions under pressure.

• Intelligence
  

  Quarterbacks must be intelligent and have a good understanding of the game. They must be able to read defenses and make quick decisions about where to throw the ball.

• Athleticism
  

  Quarterbacks must be athletic and have good arm strength and accuracy. They must also be able to run and avoid being sacked.

• Experience
  

  Quarterbacks typically need experience to be successful. They must be able to learn from their mistakes and make adjustments to their game.

Mike Locksley is a former quarterback who has coached several quarterbacks throughout his career. He is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and help them reach their full potential.

3. Maryland

The University of Maryland, College Park is a public land-grant research university in College Park, Maryland. Founded in 1856, Maryland is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland and the largest university in the state. Maryland is a member of the Big Ten Conference and competes in NCAA Division I FBS football.

• Head coach
  

  Mike Locksley is the head football coach at the University of Maryland. He was hired in 2015 and has led the Terrapins to three bowl games, including a victory in the 2018 Quick Lane Bowl.

• Quarterback
  

  Locksley was a quarterback at Maryland from 1985 to 1988. He was a three-time letterman and started 27 games for the Terrapins.

• Recruiting
  

  Locksley is known for his recruiting ability. He has signed several top recruits to Maryland, including five-star quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.

• Success
  

  Locksley has led Maryland to three bowl games in his first five seasons as head coach. He is the first Maryland coach to lead the Terrapins to three bowl games in his first five seasons since Bobby Ross in the 1980s.

Mike Locksley has a strong connection to the University of Maryland. He is a former player and coach at the school. Locksley is also a successful head coach who has led Maryland to several bowl games. He is a key figure in the Maryland football program and is helping to lead the Terrapins to success.

4. Florida

Mike Locksley has a strong connection to the state of Florida. He was born in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Florida. He attended high school in Miami and played college football at the University of Florida.

• Playing Career
  

  Locksley was a quarterback at the University of Florida from 1986 to 1988. He was a three-year starter and led the Gators to a Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship in 1986. Locksley was also named the SEC Player of the Year in 1986.

• Coaching Career
  

  Locksley began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Florida in 1989. He coached the quarterbacks for two seasons before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 1991. Locksley left Florida in 1993 to become the head coach at the University of New Mexico.

• Recruiting
  

  Locksley is known for his recruiting ability. He has signed several top recruits to Florida, including quarterback Tim Tebow and wide receiver Percy Harvin. Locksley's recruiting prowess has helped Florida to become one of the top college football programs in the country.

• Legacy
  

  Locksley is a well-respected coach who has had a successful career at both the college and professional levels. He is a member of the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.

Mike Locksley's connection to Florida has been a major factor in his success as a coach. He has a deep understanding of the state's football culture and has been able to recruit some of the best players in the country to Florida. Locksley is a key figure in the Florida football community and is respected by both fans and coaches alike.

5. Alabama

Mike Locksley has a strong connection to the University of Alabama. He was the offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide from 2017 to 2018. During his time at Alabama, Locksley helped the team win two College Football Playoff National Championships.

• Offensive Coordinator
  

  As the offensive coordinator at Alabama, Locksley was responsible for calling the plays and managing the offense. He helped develop quarterback Tua Tagovailoa into one of the best players in the country. Locksley's offense was also one of the most productive in the country, averaging over 40 points per game.

• Recruiting
  

  Locksley is known for his recruiting ability. He helped Alabama sign several top recruits, including wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and running back Najee Harris. Locksley's recruiting prowess helped Alabama to maintain its status as one of the top college football programs in the country.

• Success
  

  Locksley was a key member of the Alabama coaching staff during one of the most successful periods in the program's history. The Crimson Tide won two College Football Playoff National Championships and three SEC Championships during his time at the school. Locksley's contributions to Alabama's success cannot be overstated.

Mike Locksley's connection to Alabama has been a major factor in his success as a coach. He learned from one of the best coaches in the country, Nick Saban, and helped develop some of the best players in the country. Locksley is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and his time at Alabama has been a major stepping stone in his career.

6. Big Ten

The Big Ten Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the Midwestern United States. It is one of the most prestigious conferences in the country and is home to some of the most successful college football programs.

• Head coach
  

  Mike Locksley is the head football coach at the University of Maryland, which is a member of the Big Ten Conference. He is the first African American head coach in the conference's history.

• Success
  

  Locksley has led Maryland to three bowl games in his first five seasons as head coach. He is the first Maryland coach to lead the Terrapins to three bowl games in his first five seasons since Bobby Ross in the 1980s. Locksley's success has helped to raise the profile of Maryland football and has made the Terrapins a more competitive team in the Big Ten.

• Recruiting
  

  Locksley is known for his recruiting ability. He has signed several top recruits to Maryland, including five-star quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. Locksley's recruiting prowess has helped Maryland to become a more attractive destination for top recruits and has helped to improve the overall talent level of the team.

• Leadership
  

  Locksley is a respected leader in the Big Ten Conference. He is a member of the conference's athletic directors' council and is a mentor to other coaches in the conference. Locksley's leadership has helped to make the Big Ten a more diverse and inclusive conference.

Mike Locksley's connection to the Big Ten Conference has been a major factor in his success as a coach. He has led Maryland to success on the field, recruited some of the best players in the country, and is a respected leader in the conference. Locksley is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and his success in the Big Ten is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

7. Championship

A championship is a tournament or competition in which the winner is awarded a title or trophy. In sports, a championship is typically awarded to the team or individual who has performed the best over a period of time, such as a season or year. Mike Locksley has been involved in several championship teams as a player and coach.

• 1986 SEC Championship
  

  As a player at the University of Florida, Locksley was a member of the 1986 SEC Championship team. The Gators defeated the Auburn Tigers 21-14 in the championship game.

• 2018 Big Ten Championship
  

  As head coach at the University of Maryland, Locksley led the Terrapins to the 2018 Big Ten Championship. Maryland defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 35-19 in the championship game. This was Maryland's first Big Ten Championship since joining the conference in 2014.

• 2017 and 2018 College Football Playoff National Championships
  

  As offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama, Locksley was a part of the Crimson Tide's 2017 and 2018 College Football Playoff National Championships. Alabama defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 26-23 in the 2017 championship game and the Clemson Tigers 44-16 in the 2018 championship game.

Mike Locksley's success as a player and coach has earned him a reputation as one of the top coaches in college football. He is a proven winner who knows how to get the most out of his players. Locksley is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and he is sure to have continued success in the years to come.

FAQs about Mike Locksley

Mike Locksley is a successful college football coach who has led his teams to several championships. Here are some frequently asked questions about Locksley and his career:

Question 1: What are some of Mike Locksley's accomplishments as a coach?

Locksley has led his teams to three bowl games and one conference championship. He is the first African American head coach to win a Big Ten Championship. Locksley has also helped develop several NFL players, including Tua Tagovailoa and Jerry Jeudy.

Question 2: What is Locksley's coaching philosophy?

Locksley is known for his offensive prowess. He believes in a balanced offense that can both run and pass the ball effectively. Locksley also emphasizes player development and discipline.

Question 3: What are some of the challenges Locksley has faced in his career?

Locksley has faced some challenges in his career, including a lack of support from fans and media. He has also had to deal with injuries and player departures. However, Locksley has persevered through these challenges and has continued to be a successful coach.

Question 4: What is Locksley's future outlook?

Locksley is a rising star in the coaching ranks. He is still relatively young and has a lot of potential. Locksley is expected to continue to be a successful coach for many years to come.

Question 5: What are some of the criticisms of Locksley?

Locksley has been criticized for his recruiting tactics and for his team's performance in big games. However, Locksley has also been praised for his ability to develop players and for his commitment to his team.

Overall, Mike Locksley is a successful college football coach who has faced some challenges but has continued to persevere. He is a rising star in the coaching ranks and is expected to continue to be a successful coach for many years to come.

Transition to the next article section:

Mike Locksley is a role model for many young people and is an inspiration to all who know him. His story is one of perseverance and success, and it is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Conclusion

Mike Locksley is a successful college football coach who has led his teams to several championships. He is a rising star in the coaching ranks and is expected to continue to be a successful coach for many years to come. Locksley's story is one of perseverance and success, and it is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Locksley's success is due in part to his ability to develop players and to his commitment to his team. He is also known for his offensive prowess and his ability to recruit top players. Locksley is a role model for many young people and is an inspiration to all who know him.