COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Following a turbulent week that saw the dismissal of head coach Mike Locksley, the University of Maryland athletic department took its first official steps toward rebuilding on Tuesday. Athletic Director Jim Smith alongside newly named interim head coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim addressed the media at SECU Stadium, presenting a united front focused on immediate cultural reform and a commitment to competing at the highest level of college football.

When Smith addressed the media, he said the Maryland head coaching job was a “highly sought after job. … Maryland is an incredibly attractive job. There’s not an agency that represents coaches that hasn’t already reached out with a possible candidate.” The rumor mill is already buzzing.

Rebuilding Culture and “Deeper Brotherhood”

Abdul-Rahim, a Washington, D.C. native who previously served as the Terps’ associate head coach for defense, began his introductory press conference by setting a distinct tone. Before taking the podium, he made a point to walk through the crowd, shaking hands and repeating the names of every media member present.

The gesture aligned with Abdul-Rahim’s core message for the final five games of the season: rebuilding the program’s foundational culture.

“We have to create a deeper brotherhood, and that’s really our focus for the rest of the year,” Abdul-Rahim said. “Creating a family environment where guys want success for the team… more than they want success for themselves.”

Addressing the realities of modern college football, Abdul-Rahim acknowledged the challenge of keeping players bought-in during the transfer portal era, drawing on lessons learned from his time working under Nick Saban. Rather than focusing on long-term uncertainties, he emphasized a day-by-day process.

When asked what an Abdul-Rahim-led team looks like, he summarized it in three words: “technique, scheme, and finish.” He also expressed absolute confidence in offensive coordinator Clint Trickett’s ability to lead the offense moving forward. Maryland linebacker Sidney Stewart who appeared as part of the player’s part of the media session spoke on Abdul-Rahim’s philosophy: “VTE. Violence. Technique. Effort.”

A Clean Slate for the Program

In an immediate structural change, Abdul-Rahim reversed a two-year-old policy enacted by Locksley and officially reopened a portion of the Terps’ practice to the media on Tuesday.

Athletic Director Jim Smith praised the interim coach’s immediate impact on the roster after what has been a “whirlwind” week.

“He was clearly the right choice to become our interim head coach,” Smith stated. “You’re not going to see it all the time, but he’s got tremendous energy, intensity, and enthusiasm for this opportunity. You’re going to see a renewed energy from our players. He has changed a lot in a really short period.”

The Search for the Next Head Coach

While Abdul-Rahim prepares the team to face Illinois this coming Saturday, Jim Smith outlined what the university’s broader search process will look like for a permanent head coach. Smith made it clear that there is no strict deadline for the hire, but promised fans that Maryland will find the resources necessary to compete at the absolute highest tier.

Smith confirmed that Abdul-Rahim will be evaluated as a legitimate candidate for the full-time position, even joking during the press conference that anyone—including himself—would have a shot if they hit the right metrics.

For now, the focus remains entirely local and immediate. With Zac Spavital promoted to defensive coordinator, Will Likely to defensive backs coach, and Abdul-Rahim as interim head coach, the Terrapins have five games left to stabilize the program and establish a standard for the future.

“All I got to do is attack these last five games,” Abdul-Rahim said. “All of our mind, body, and soul is on Illinois right now.”