EUGENE, Ore. — Imagine signing a big contract, only to get a better job offer months later. That’s exactly what happened to Carlos Locklyn, now Ohio State’s running backs coach, who’s caught in a messy legal fight with his former employer, the University of Oregon. The Ducks are suing Locklyn for $400,000, claiming he bailed on his contract when he jumped ship to Columbus in April 2024. The lawsuit, filed in Lane County Circuit Court, has sparked heated debates among fans, reignited the Ohio State-Oregon rivalry, and left Locklyn in a tough spot as he tries to focus on coaching.
A Dream Job Turns Sour
Carlos Locklyn, a 47-year-old coach with a knack for turning running backs into stars, was living the dream at Oregon. For two years, he worked under head coach Dan Lanning, helping the Ducks’ ground game soar. Running back Bucky Irving racked up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and Oregon’s rushing attack was among the nation’s best. In February 2024, Locklyn signed a shiny new two-year contract extension worth $400,000 a year, locking him in through January 2026. It felt like a perfect fit.
But then Ohio State came calling. The Buckeyes needed a new running backs coach after Tony Alford left for Michigan, and Locklyn couldn’t resist. The job offered a massive raise—$650,000 a year, more than double his Oregon salary—plus the chance to coach at a national powerhouse fresh off a 2024 national championship. On April 1, 2024, just two months after signing his extension, Locklyn packed his bags for Columbus.
That’s when the trouble started. Oregon’s contract had a catch: if Locklyn left after April 1, he owed half his remaining salary, roughly $400,000, as a buyout. Locklyn thought he had it covered. He sent Oregon a personal check for $200,000 in May 2024, believing Ohio State’s contract, which reportedly covered another $200,000, would square things up. Oregon wasn’t having it. They sent the check back in July, saying Locklyn still owed the full amount. Now, they’re taking him to court.
The Lawsuit: Money, Loyalty, and Hurt Feelings
Oregon’s lawsuit paints a picture of a university feeling betrayed. They invested in Locklyn, giving him resources, professional growth opportunities, and a hefty raise. When he left, it threw their spring practice and recruiting plans into chaos. They had to scramble to hire Ra’Shaad Samples from Arizona State, shelling out $180,000 to cover his buyout. The Ducks’ legal team argues Locklyn’s refusal to pay the full $400,000 is a clear breach of contract, and they’re seeking the money plus 9% interest.
Locklyn, though, isn’t backing down. His lawyer, John Berg, says the coach did everything right. “Carlos sent a check to cover what he owed,” Berg told The Oregonian. “Oregon’s twisting the contract, and we’re confident the court will see it our way.” Locklyn’s camp insists the $200,000 check, combined with Ohio State’s contribution, settled the debt. The back-and-forth has turned a business dispute into a personal saga, with both sides digging in.
Adding fuel to the fire is a moment that still stings for Oregon fans. When Locklyn introduced himself at Ohio State, he took a subtle jab at Dan Lanning, saying he prefers to be called “Coach Lock” because being called “Carlos” felt disrespectful. It was a small comment, but it hit a nerve, especially after Locklyn’s abrupt exit. Fans haven’t forgotten, and it’s made him a lightning rod for criticism.
Fans Fuel the Fire
If you scroll through X, the Ohio State-Oregon rivalry is alive and well, and this lawsuit is pouring gas on it. Buckeyes fans are having a field day, joking that Oregon’s still salty about Ohio State’s 41-21 thrashing in the 2025 Rose Bowl, where Locklyn’s running backs, TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, ran circles around the Ducks. “They’re just mad we took their coach and their pride,” one fan posted. Another quipped, “$400K? That’s pocket change for a natty.”
Oregon fans, on the other hand, are airing their grievances. They’ve called Locklyn a hypocrite for preaching mental toughness with his “soft-batch cookies” mantra—his term for players who lack resilience—only to leave for a better gig. “He talked all that ‘toughness’ stuff, then bolted for a paycheck,” one fan tweeted. Others are frustrated that Oregon’s even pursuing the lawsuit, wondering if it’s worth the bad PR. “Just let it go and move on,” a Ducks supporter wrote.
The rivalry’s intensity isn’t just about the lawsuit. These teams split their 2024 matchups, with Oregon squeaking out a 32-31 regular-season win before Ohio State dominated in the Rose Bowl. Locklyn’s move, the courtroom drama, and those lopsided rushing stats (-23 yards for Oregon vs. 181 for Ohio State) have fans on both sides ready for round three, even if it’s just in the comments section for now.
Locklyn’s New Chapter
While the lawsuit looms, Locklyn’s thriving at Ohio State. He’s coaching two 1,000-yard rushers, Henderson and Judkins, and earned a $227,500 bonus for the Buckeyes’ national title. His players rave about his energy and tough-love approach, and he’s settled into life in Columbus. But the legal battle is a dark cloud. Ohio State hasn’t commented publicly, leaving Locklyn to navigate the storm with his legal team.
For Locklyn, it’s a reminder of how fast things can change. One day, you’re a rising star at Oregon, baking “tough” cookies with your players. The next, you’re in court, defending your decision to chase a bigger opportunity. It’s a human story of ambition, loyalty, and the messy reality of college football, where contracts and rivalries can turn friends into foes.
What’s Next?
As the case heads to court, it’s anyone’s guess how it’ll play out. Will Oregon get their $400,000, or will Locklyn’s $200,000 argument hold up? Beyond the money, the lawsuit raises bigger questions about coaching contracts in college football. With assistant coaches earning more than ever and jumping between jobs, buyouts are becoming flashpoints. Oregon’s decision to sue could set a precedent, making coaches think twice before packing their bags.
For now, Locklyn’s keeping his head down, coaching his players, and preparing for the 2025 season. The Ohio State-Oregon saga, though, is far from over. Whether it’s in a courtroom or on the field, these two programs—and their fans—are ready for the next chapter. Just don’t expect anyone to share their cookies.
Sources: The Oregonian, Eleven Warriors, Sports Illustrated, Cleveland.com, X posts
