Mike Locksley has broken his silence after his mutual parting ways with Maryland.
In speaking with ESPN's Heather Dinich, the ex-Terrapins coach said he's "at peace" with the decision that came on Wednesday, Oct. 21 that ended his eight-year tenure, and that he won't be taking a job that involves "heavy laboring of a building" and one that will wear him out.
"To be honest I kind of knew it was coming, just didn't know when," Locksley told ESPN. "I'm not mad about leaving. I'm not. I'm at peace with it because I know it's better than what it was when I got here. A player died right before I got here and this place was burnt to the ground. Stabilized it, went to three bowls, NIL kicks in, and wasn't prepared for it."
for Maryland to replace Mike Locksley
Locksley's last game at Maryland was a 37-30 loss to Rutgers on Oct. 17. That defeat, the Terrapins' fifth in a row, dropped his overall record to 39–54, which includes six games as an interim coach in 2015 and his hiring full time before the 2019 season.
With their 2-5 start, the Terrapins have lost 20 of their past 30 games. Maryland's struggles extend to Big Ten play, as it has been more than a year since it last won a Big Ten game. The Terrapins have lost 12 straight conference contests.
In its five-game losing skid, Maryland has been outscored by its opponents 219-98. Maryland's defense has given up an average of 43.8 points to its opponents as well, which includes 449 total yards of offense given up to Ohio State.
"On behalf of the University of Maryland, I want to thank Michael for his dedication to our football program and the genuine care he showed our student-athletes," Maryland athletic director Jim Smith said in a statement on Wednesday. "Michael represented Maryland with pride, strengthened our connection throughout the state and the region, and made a lasting impact on the young men he coached."
Locksley's buyout at Maryland is approximately $9.7 million as of Oct. 21, after his parting with two more years left on his deal, according to a copy of his contract obtained via USA TODAY Sports.
"It's actually not hard to win at Maryland," Locksley added to ESPN. "It's hard to win consistently at Maryland."
Maryland, with interim head coach Aazzar Abdul-Rahim, returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 31 at noon ET against Illinois.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Locksley breaks silence after Maryland exit: 'I'm at peace'
