Terps Head Football Coach Fired After 3rd Straight Loss

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) -- Out of a job. After losing three straight games, head coach Randy Edsall is fired. The school made the decision just hours after its loss on Saturday.

Rick Ritter has more on the decision.

When a school lets go of their coach halfway through the season, it shows you just how disappointed they are. The Terps lost three straight games and never beat a top 25 ranked team under Randy Edsall.

After days of rumors and speculation, the firing of Terps football coach Randy Edsall became a reality on Sunday

The school's athletic director made the move just hours after their 49-28 loss to the top ranked Buckeyes -- the team's third loss in a row.

"I had great concerns, so that's how I justified making this move. And I stand by it," said Kevin Anderson, University of Maryland Athletic Director.

A stretch where the Terps have been outscored by more than 80 points, lacking the big play offensively.

"We need a win. They have no offense right now. We're not scoring any points," said Neal Graham, Maryland student.

After Saturday's loss, an emotional Randy Edsall stormed off from the podium.

"I don't make those decisions, somebody else makes those decisions. And as long as I'm the coach, all I will do is do my job, do it the way I've been doing it and do what I'm asked to do. If you noticed, I do that every single game... every single game out of the respect that I have for these kids and what they go through," Edsall said.

The former University of Connecticut coach came to Maryland with big expectations, but the team never beat a ranked opponent under Edsall, winning only 22 games in four and a half seasons.

Even though Edsall is gone, the school still owes him $2.1 million for this year and next, along with a $500,000 buyout.

"I think it was time for Edsall to be on the outs," said Graham.

At times this year, the stadium has looked empty -- and students have taken notice.

"Nobody wants to go to a game to watch your team lose constantly. We have to give the fans more of a reason to want to stay for a game. Right now, it's looking forward to next, and whole new program, and hopefully, a coach will bring back excitement to the school and atmosphere," said Dante Shepard, Maryland student.

Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley will serve as interim head coach.

"There's still a lot of football left to be played. We're still in a position to reach some of the goals that we set going into this thing as a staff and a team. We made a commitment," said Coach Locksley.

Many are hoping it's a spark that revives a program playing in a difficult Big Ten Conference.

"I hope it's a spark. We got half the season left. Maybe we can pull out some wins," said Graham.

The athletic director went on to say they'll use revenue the school earned from jumping to the Big Ten to pay off Edsall and find a new coach.

The Terps are on a bye this week, as they get ready to play Penn State on October 24. That game will be at M&T Bank Stadium.

In a statement, Randy Edsall said: "On behalf of myself and my family I want to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to be part of the University of Maryland as its football coach. I am proud of the great progress we made with our student-athletes, not just on the field but in the community and the classroom.  We take away a lot of great memories during our stay here at College Park and wish everyone the best in the coming months and years."

Despite his coaching record, the Terps improved their academic performance and graduation rate under Edsall.