Michael Locksley’s career arc in CFB has been a winding road filled with both hard lessons and high points. Currently the HC at the University of Maryland since 2019 — Locksley has carved out a place for himself in a fiercely competitive profession. Before taking over the Terrapins, his résumé stretched across multiple programs and positions. He made his head coaching debut at New Mexico in 2009, a tenure that ended in 2011 before returning to Maryland as OC. By 2015, he was named interim head coach after Randy Edsall’s dismissal. When Maryland went in a different direction after that season, Locksley didn’t fade away; instead, he joined Nick Saban’s powerhouse Alabama staff as an offensive analyst, quickly working his way to offensive coordinator. In 2018, he earned the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach, a signal that his offensive mind was one of the sharpest in the game. That recognition and championship experience set the stage for his return to Maryland as the program’s full-time leader.

Where’s Michael Locksley from, and what is his nationality?

Mike Locksley is American, through and through, with roots in inner-city Washington, D.C. A Ballou High School alum, Locksley was more than just a student-athlete; he was a standout on the football field. He graduated from Ballou in 1987. At Towson State University (now Towson University), he carved his name into team history as a defensive back, capping off his college career by being named the Tigers’ Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.

What is his ethnicity?

Michael Locksley is African American, and his identity has been a driving force behind his work off the field. Understanding the barriers that minority coaches often face, Locksley took action in 2020 by announcing the formation of the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches. This non-profit aims to help male and female football coaches of color gain critical exposure in the hiring process, a systemic gap that has hindered opportunities at all levels.

Is Michael Locksley African American?

Yes — and his journey reflects both the pride and responsibility that come with that identity. Locksley and Michigan’s assistant HC of that time, Pep Hamilton created QuarterBlack Symposium. “At that time, there weren’t a lot of Black quarterback coaches,” Locksley noted “He [Hamilton] and I came up with the idea of, let’s create kind of an underground railroad system of uniting quarterback coaches and getting together and sharing ideas and helping each other grow as quarterback coaches.” He said to ESPN.

Influence of upbringing on faith and character

While Michael Locksley has not publicly detailed his religious beliefs, his body of work suggests faith, resilience, and a moral compass rooted in service to others. Growing up in inner-city D.C. didn’t just shape his toughness — it also built a deep sense of responsibility to give back. His advocacy for minority coaches and his focus on mentorship mirror the values instilled in him from an early age. Though he hasn’t not spoken openly about his faith publicly.