UNM to name Locksley as Long's successor

Mike Locksley's holidays just got a lot brighter.

According to ESPN, Locksley, who was previously Illinois' offensive coordinator, will succeed Rocky Long as UNM's head football coach.

Long resigned on Nov. 17 after the Lobos went 4-8 overall and 2-5 in the Mountain West Conference.

Locksley is in his fourth season as Illinois' offensive coordinator. While at Illinois, he was named the No. 5 recruiter in the Big Ten by Sports Illustrated.

Locksley will become only the fourth African American head coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Sources said a news conference is planned for Tuesday at 3 p.m. to announce Locksley's hiring.