Mike Locksley Officially Hired as On The Field Assistant

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Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced the hiring of Mike Locksley as a full-time offensive assistant Monday.

Locksley's specific on-field duties were not released, but his addition fills the vacancy left by offensive tackles and tight ends coach Mario Cristobal, who recently left for Oregon's co-offensive coordinator position.

Locksley spent the 2016 season on the Crimson Tide's staff as an offensive analyst. He previously served as the interim head coach at the University of Maryland for the final six games of the 2015 season. Prior to that he served as the Terrapins offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2012-15. Locksley also served as the head coach at the University of New Mexico from 2009-11.

"We are excited to add Mike Locksley to our staff as an assistant coach on the offensive side of the football," Saban said. "He is an outstanding offensive mind who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as both a head coach and offensive coordinator. Mike is also one of the best recruiters in the nation and will be an excellent addition to our staff. His time as an analyst with us over the past season should also ensure a smooth transition and a full understanding of how our organization operates."

During his time as Maryland's offensive coordinator, the Terrapins produced balanced and effective results. The 2013 offense eclipsed 5,000 yards of total offense for only the fourth time in program history, while accounting for 3,231 yards passing (third most all-time). In Maryland's debut season in the Big Ten, the offense averaged the most points in the past four seasons.

A veteran coach with over 20 years of experience Locksley, also served as the offensive coordinator at the University of Illinois from 2005-08. The Illini went from No. 72 nationally in total offense in 2005 to 19th following the 2008 season. They led the Big Ten in rushing in 2006 and 2007 and then led the league in passing in 2008.

"I want to thank Coach Saban and The University of Alabama for this opportunity," Locksley said. "I can't wait to get back out on the football field and the recruiting trail as we turn our attention to the 2017 season. I have always appreciated the storied history of the Alabama football program, but the chance to spend the past year looking at the program from the inside out really showed me why this place is so special."

Locksley spent the 2003 and 2004 seasons at the University of Florida as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. His first stint at Maryland came form 1997-2002 when he coached the running backs and coordinated recruiting.

He began his coaching career at Towson in 1992, followed by two seasons at the U.S. Naval Prep School. He coached outside linebackers at the University of the Pacific in 1995 and then coached wide receivers and tight ends at Army in 1996.

Mike and his wife Kia, have four children, three sons (Mike Jr., Meiko and Kai), and one daughter (Kori).

All such employment contracts are subject to approval by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees.

*** This information was acquired from a recent press release from Alabama Athletics.

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