The Mike Locksley era at the helm of the New Mexico Lobos has come to an abrupt end following weekend events on and off the football field. On Sunday, New Mexico fired Locksley after two-plus years as head coach.
Mike Locksley Fired As New Mexico Lobos Struggle To Open Season
On the field, the Lobos lost to FCS team Sam Houston State in overtime, 48-45. Off the field, 19-year-old Joshua Butts, whose status as a UNM recruit is disputed, was arrested before the game for a DWI incident. Butts was reportedly driving a car registered to the Locksley family while in possession of alcohol. Whether Butts is a recruit or just a family friend, a serious lack of judgment seems to have entered into this situation at some point.
Locksley came to New Mexico in 2009 following a successful stint as a coach and recruiter at Illinois, bringing in top talent from the Washington, D.C., area. But, as CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd points out, Locksley was already in a tough spot after reported incidents of sexual harassment and punching a coach on his staff.
Dodd also points out that Locksley’s losing at New Mexico (2-26 over two-plus seasons) could hold back the Mountain West Conference from being evaluated as a BCS automatic qualifying conference.
For more on New Mexico and the Mountain West, check out the Mountain West Connection.
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