MM 10.19: Maryland football fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino

Maryland football made a coaching change ahead of its bye week, but not the one fans were expecting. Defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino was fired Sunday, ending his time with the program.

Monachino’s defense has conceded the eighth-most points (233) in the country this season, including nearly 44 per game during its five-game skid. The Terps gave up at least 40 points in three straight games and allowed Rutgers to score 24 second-half points Saturday.

“I appreciate Ted’s hard work and dedication to our program during his time in College Park,” head coach Michael Locksley said. “As I evaluate our program, I believe this change is necessary. We wish Ted all the best moving forward.”

Maryland, who was tied for the Big Ten lead with 19 interceptions in 2025, has allowed 451.6 yards per game against power conference foes this season. UCLA, Nebraska and then-No. 5 Ohio State each rushed for over 200 yards during their blowout wins over the Terps.

Saturday’s 37-30 defeat marked Maryland’s 12th consecutive loss in Big Ten games, the longest active streak in the conference. The Terps haven’t won a home Big Ten contest since Oct. 19, 2024, recording one conference victory in each of their previous seasons.

Maryland has yet to secure its first Big Ten win in 2026.

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will serve as defensive coordinator for the remainder of the season, while inside linebackers coach Zac Spavital will assume the role of co-defensive coordinator.

In other news

Maryland men’s basketball overcame a 15-point halftime deficit to produce a thrilling 90-81 overtime exhibition victory over West Virginia. Dylan Schmidt covered the game.

Maryland football allowed 24 unanswered points en route to a 37-30 defeat to Rutgers for its fifth consecutive loss. Jude Wilkenfeld wrote the recap, and Dylan Schmidt gave his takeaways.

No. 1 Maryland field hockey notched a pair of 4-0 wins over Michigan State and Ohio State. Roman Brunetti had the story.

No. 14 Maryland men’s soccer needed an 85th-minute game-winner to earn a 3-2 victory over Michigan. Rize Simmons had the coverage.

Maryland volleyball fell in straight sets to No. 6 Wisconsin and No. 21 Minnesota. Aarna Mishra provided the recaps.

Maryland women’s soccer dropped its home finale, 3-1, to Iowa. Noah Ghelli wrote the story.

Maryland baseball tied 4-4 against Georgetown in game one before ending the doubleheader with a commanding 9-4 victory.

Maryland tennis had a successful ITA Atlantic Regionals.

Former Maryland men’s basketball guard Darius Adams poured in 14 points, six rebounds and five assists during NC State’s win over Mississippi State.

Maryland had nine inductees into the Hall of Fame.