When Carlos Locklyn agreed to stay on with the University of Oregon as the running backs coach in 2024, he also signed a new two-year contract with the team. But, Locklyn left after only two months to accept a job with Ohio State University and terminated the contract. Now, the University of Oregon is seeking $400,000 in damages in a lawsuit against Locklyn.
According to The Register Guard, Locklyn signed a two-year, $800,000 contract that he violated when he resigned in April 2024, the “crucial NCAA-approved spring practice window.”
Court documents revealed that Locklyn’s contract included an early-departure clause “requiring him to pay the university 50% of his guaranteed salary at the time of termination, or $400,000.”
However, the University of Oregon claimed that Locklyn did not follow through on the early-departure clause of his contract. Instead, the Ducks accuse Locklyn of mailing a check for $200,000, half the amount owed. The University staff returned that check to Locklyn, and they have yet to receive the corrected amount.
Sports illustrated reported that, “Unless defendant is ordered to pay the University $400,000, plus interest, Defendant will be unjustly enriched to the University's detriment.” According to the lawsuit, UO is seeking nine percent interest on the sum.
"By that time, the University's coaching roster had already been set, recruiting was in full swing, and the coaching staff was deep in preparations for the upcoming season," the lawsuit said.
No court date has been set yet for the trial, but Locklyn accepted a summons request
