The Maryland Terrapins, with their iconic Testudo mascot, possess a rich history punctuated by the legacy left by legendary coaches who carved dynasties into the gridiron.
From the early days of Curley Byrd, who instilled a culture of winning and guided the Terps to their first national championship in 1953, to the “Golden Era” ushered in by Jerry Claiborne, Maryland football has entertained fans and dominated the Atlantic Coast Conference for decades.
Beyond Claiborne, a line of coaching titans like Ralph Friedgen, Bobby Ross, and Randy Edsall, each added their legacy to the Maryland football franchise.
As the Terps charge onto the field, they carry the weight of their glorious past, fueled by the incredible mark of the coaches who carved dynasties.
1. Mike Locksley (2019–present)
- Overall record – 31-59 (.344)
- Bowls – 3-0
- 2018 Broyles Award
Mike Locksley first joined the Terrapins in 1997 as an assistant coach and then served as interim head coach after Randy Edsall’s departure in 2015.
However, Lockley was reappointed as head coach in 2018, and he sought to turn things around and begin rebuilding the program. Under his leadership, Maryland has not lost any bowl games so far.
In 2021, he led the Terps to their first winning season (7-6 record) in seven years and a victory in the Pinstripe Bowl.
2. D.J. Durkin (2016–2018)
- Overall record- 11-15
- Bowls – 1-1
D.J. Durkin’s tenure as head coach of the Maryland Terrapins football team was a story of immense promise tragically overshadowed by the McNair situation.
Durkin was hailed as a rising star, invigorating the program with his energetic coaching style and recruiting prowess.
His first season saw a 6-7 record, a significant improvement, and a beautiful upset over Michigan State. He led the Terrapins to bowl eligibility in his first season.
He secured top-30 recruiting classes, boosting Maryland’s talent pool, and raising hopes for a sustained revival.
3. Randy Edsall (2011–2015)
- Overall record – 102-136
- Bowls – 3-4
- Big East Coach of the Year (2010)
Randy Edsall’s head coaching tenure at Maryland Terrapins was a rollercoaster ride marked by both highs and lows.
Inheriting a struggling 2-10 team in 2011, Edsall steadily improved the Terrapins, culminating in a 4-0 start. He also guided the Terps to upsets over ranked opponents like Virginia Tech and West Virginia, cementing his name in Terrapin lore.
Edsall’s defensive mind helped produce NFL-caliber players like Stefon Diggs and Yannick Ngakoue
Despite moments of brilliance, Maryland only finished with two winning records in his five seasons.
4. Ralph Friedgen (2001–2010)
- Overall record- 75-50
- Bowls – 5-2
- 2 ACC Coach of the Year
- Associated Press COY (2001)
- Woody Hayes Trophy (2001)
With Ralph Friedgen at the helm, Maryland Football saw revitalization during his 10-year reign.
Friedgen guided the Terrapins to their first ACC title in 16 years (2001) and a school-record five bowl victories.
Renowned for his offensive mind, Friedgen’s Terps possessed potent attacks, consistently ranking among the nation’s best. He nurtured talents like Shaun Hill and Vernon Davis, who became NFL standouts.
5. Ron Vanderlinden (1997-2000)
- Overall record – 15-29
While Vanderlinden’s record lacked glitz, it offered an improvement from the preceding years. He recruited future stars like Shaun Hill and E.J. Henderson who would lead Maryland to an ACC Championship in 2001.
Receiving a program mired in mediocrity, Vanderlinden laid the foundation for future success. He did not make any winning seasons during his Terps tenure.
However, his defensive schemes were often praised, and he helped develop many NFL-caliber athletes.
6. Mark Duffner (1992-1996)
- Overall record – 20-35 (.364%)
Taking the helm in 1992, Mark Duffner led the Terrapins to their first national ranking in nine years (1995). While wins were not so prominent, Duffner’s recruiting and player development laid the groundwork for future success.
Terrapin quarterbacks and receivers rewrote the program’s passing record books under his guidance. The football team boasted a potent passing attack during Duffner’s era.
His only winning season came during the 1995 season, where his team registered a 6-5 record and 4-4 in the ACC conference.
7. Joe Krivak (1987-1991)
- Overall Record – 20–34–2
- Bowl – 0-0-1
Leading the Terrapins from 1987 to 1991, Joe Krivak took over after the departure of Bobby Ross, getting a program reeling from the tragic loss of Len Bias.
Known for his offensive acumen, Krivak mentored future NFL quarterbacks like Boomer Esiason and Frank Reich during his Maryland assistant coaching days.
His 1990 team went 6-5-1 and played in the Independence Bowl, displaying his ability to navigate challenging circumstances. They tied the Bowl game against Louisana Tech by 34-34.
8. Bobby Ross (1982–1986)
- Overall record – 103-101-2
- Bowls – 4-2
- 4 ACC Championships (1983–1985, 1990)
- Walter Camp Coach of the Year
- AFCA Coach of the Year
Before being known for his Georgia Tech’s undefeated season, Bobby Ross was leading the charges at Terrapins. He transformed a struggling franchise into a winner, leading the Terrapins to four straight winning seasons and three consecutive ACC championships.
Ross’s Terps were known for their exciting offense, led by QBs Frank Reich and Boomer Esiason. Maryland’s 1984 upset of the defending champions Miami remains Bobby’s memorable moment.
9. Jerry Claiborne (1972–1981)
- Overall record – 179-122-8
- Bowl – 3-8
- 3 ACC Coach of the Year
- SEC Coach of the Year (1983)
- College Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1999
Jerry Claiborne, a legend in NCAA football, transformed Maryland’s program in the 1970s. Receiving a struggling team, he led them to 10 winning seasons, 3 ACC titles from 1974 to 1976, and 7 bowl appearances.
His 1976 squad went undefeated in the regular season, reaching the Cotton Bowl. His impact extended beyond wins, coaching 87 All-Conference players and 4 Academic All-Americans.
10. Roy Lester (1969-1971)
- Overall record – 7-25
Roy Lester’s leap to the college ranks at the University of Maryland in 1969 proved challenging. Coaching a program in turmoil, his three seasons garnered a losing record, ultimately, paving the path for his dismissal. His final two seasons culminated in a 2-9 record each.
Despite the lack of victories, Lester’s impact shouldn’t be discounted. His strong recruiting laid the foundation for the Terrapins’ bigger success under Jerry Claiborne, who guided them to three straight ACC titles.
11. Robert Ward (1967-1968)
- Overall record – 2-17
A former All-American Guard for Maryland Terrapins, Ward returned as a head coach for the program in 1967 and spent two years there.
Despite flashes of success, including wins over South Carolina and North Carolina, the overall record remained uninspiring. Moreover, player discontent with Ward’s coaching style surfaced, leading to him parting ways in 1969.
His 1967-68 head coaching tenure faltered when he compiled an abyssal 2-17 record. His legacy? A paradox of gridiron greatness and coaching struggles, forever etched in Maryland lore.
12. Lou Saban (1966)
- Overall record – 4-6
Lou Saban surprisingly left the Buffalo Bills’ head coach position in 1966 to take the helm at the University of Maryland. His reason? “There can be little left to conquer in professional football.”
However, Saban’s Maryland tenure was a short one-season stint. Despite a respectable 4-6 record, Saban bolted back to the NFL, joining the Denver Broncos.
His offensive schemes and recruiting skills laid the groundwork for future success. Saban’s legacy at Maryland serves as a reminder of his restless spirit and his constant pursuit of new frontiers.
13. Thomas Nugent (1959-1965)
- Overall record – 36-34
Inheriting a team after a losing season, Nugent steadily enhanced their performance, capping off with a 7-3 record and a thrilling win over the No. 7 Syracuse in 1961.
Nugent’s keen eye for talent led to the recruitment of Darryl Hill, the first African-American player at Maryland and the ACC. This landmark decision paved the way for greater diversity in the program.
Nugent is credited with pioneering the I-formation offense, an innovative scheme that influenced football for decades.
Though he never led the Terps to an ACC title, Nugent’s effect on the program is undeniable.
14. Tommy Mont (1956-1958)
- Overall record – 11-18-1
A former Terps player, Tommy Mont’s head coaching stint at the University of Maryland was brief. He honed his skills under legendary coach Jim Tatum, ultimately succeeding him as head coach in 1956.
In his first season, Mont managed a 2-7-1 record. His best season was in 1957, where he registered a 5-5 record. Though he faced challenges, Tommy’s dedication to the Terrapins remained unmatched.
Mont also implemented the innovative T-formation offense, laying the basics for future Maryland success.
15. Jim Tatum (1947–1955)
- Overall record – 73-15-4
- Bowl – 2-2-1
- 1953 AFCA Coach of the Year
- 2 ACC Coach of the Year
Jim Tatum left a powerful mark on the Maryland football franchise, turning them from regional underdogs to national champions. During his 9-year tenure, Tatum accumulated a winning record with a .815 winning percentage, the best in school history.
Tatum was an offensive mastermind, particularly in his usage of the Split-T formation, which paved the way for dominance. His Terps made five bowl appearances, won three conference championships, and two national titles.
The Terps upset No.1 ranked Tennessee in the 1952 Sugar Bowl, an electrifying victory that solidified Tatum as a Terrapin legend.