Seven years ago, newly appointed Maryland athletic director Damon Evans mingled with prominent boosters before a Terps vs. Rutgers football game. Among them was Thomas McCausland, a renowned supporter of the team.

The two discussed the program’s future. Evans promised McCausland he’d hire “a good football coach” to replace interim coach Matt Canada. The team desperately needed someone to stabilize a program mired in turmoil after former coach DJ Durkin was fired after offensive lineman Jordan McNair’s tragic death. McCausland offered a suggestion.

“Are you going to give Mike [Locksley] a chance?”

Two months later, Locksley was hired as the Terps’ coach. McCausland and other boosters were pleased — and after several winning seasons, it looked as if Maryland and Locksley were headed tow

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