Medford, Ore. – The University of Oregon has filed a lawsuit against former assistant football coach Carlos Locklyn after he abruptly left his position as running backs coach in April 2024, just two months after signing a two-year contract with the Ducks. The university is seeking $400,000 from Locklyn, which it claims is the amount stipulated in his contract for breaching the agreement.
Locklyn, who had previously served two seasons with the Ducks under head coach Dan Lanning, was hired in February 2024 to remain with the team for two more years. However, in April 2024, he left for a position at Ohio State University, prompting the University of Oregon to take legal action.
According to the lawsuit, Locklyn’s departure breached the terms of his contract, which would have entitled him to an annual salary of $400,000. In response to the breach, the university is seeking compensation for the amount Locklyn would have earned over the remaining two years of the agreement.
The university claims that despite Locklyn’s early exit, the school invested significant resources into his professional development, including time, knowledge, and other opportunities. The lawsuit alleges that Oregon did not receive a return on this investment due to Locklyn’s premature departure.
In an effort to settle the matter, Locklyn reportedly sent a personal check for $200,000 to the university in May 2024, offering half of the owed amount. However, the university declined to accept the payment, stating that it would only accept the full $400,000 in accordance with the terms of the contract. The check was subsequently returned to Locklyn.
Locklyn’s attorney has disputed the university’s version of events. In a written statement, the lawyer argued that Locklyn had lawfully terminated his employment agreement with the University of Oregon and had fully satisfied any financial obligations under the contract’s buyout clause. The attorney further criticized the university’s interpretation of the agreement, describing it as “untenable,” and expressed confidence that the case would be resolved in Locklyn’s favor in court.
The lawsuit has brought attention to the often complex and contentious nature of coaching contracts in college football, where buyouts and termination clauses can lead to legal battles between universities and their staff. As the case progresses, both parties are preparing to present their respective arguments in court.
The outcome of this lawsuit will likely have significant implications not only for Locklyn’s future but also for how similar cases are handled within the realm of collegiate athletics.