Former Chiefs First-Round Pick Takes Over as High School Head Coach

Marcus Peters, who spent 7 seasons in the NFL, will lead his alma mater's football program in Oakland.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters has announced that he will take over as the new head football coach at McClymonds High School in Oakland, California. Peters, a first-round pick by the Chiefs in 2015, spent the last two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach under his father, Michael Peters, who is retiring after 33 years on the staff, including 13 as the head coach.

Why it matters

This move represents an exciting new chapter for Marcus Peters, who is transitioning from a successful NFL career to giving back to his hometown community. As a former star player, Peters brings valuable experience and connections that could help revitalize the McClymonds football program.

The details

After retiring from the NFL, Peters has been exploring various business ventures and projects, including a stint with the Seattle Seawolves rugby team. However, his passion for football has led him back to his roots in Oakland, where he will now lead the McClymonds High School football team as the new head coach.

  • Marcus Peters spent the last two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach at McClymonds High School.
  • Michael Peters, Marcus' father, is retiring after 33 years on the McClymonds staff, including 13 as the head coach.

The players

Marcus Peters

A former first-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, who spent 7 seasons in the NFL before retiring and returning to his hometown of Oakland to coach high school football.

Michael Peters

Marcus Peters' father, who is retiring after 33 years on the staff at McClymonds High School, including 13 as the head coach.

McClymonds High School

A high school in Oakland, California, where Marcus Peters will take over as the new head football coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are excited to see [Marcus Peters] now step into the role of head coach. His experience at the highest level of the game, combined with his deep connection to our school, makes this truly an exciting moment for our football family.”

— McClymonds High School

“Just seeing him, just having the opportunity to come to him, I just wanted to jump on it man so I could dive into the business world. Trying to figure out some new ways it could pull me away from the game and allow me to express [myself] a little bit differently, see and venture into some new worlds.”

— Marcus Peters, Former NFL Player

What’s next

As Marcus Peters takes over the McClymonds High School football program, he will look to build on the school's rich tradition and help develop the next generation of talent in the Oakland community.

The takeaway

Marcus Peters' transition from the NFL to high school coaching represents an inspiring story of a star player giving back to his hometown. His experience and connections could provide a major boost to the McClymonds football program, while also allowing Peters to explore new business ventures and opportunities outside of the game.