Former NFL Star Marcus Peters Named Head Coach at Oakland's McClymonds High

The highly decorated cornerback, who had a tumultuous college career at Washington, returns to his alma mater to lead the powerhouse high school program.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:51pm

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Marcus Peters, the former University of Washington and NFL cornerback, has been hired as the new head football coach at McClymonds High School in Oakland, California. Peters, who had a decorated NFL career with the Chiefs, Rams, Ravens, and Raiders, is taking over the program from his father, Michael Peters, who spent over 30 years as the head coach and built McClymonds into a California high school football powerhouse.

Why it matters

Peters' hiring represents a full-circle moment, as he returns to his alma mater to lead the program after a tumultuous college career at Washington that saw him clash with the coaching staff and get dismissed from the team. This move also continues the legacy of the Peters family at McClymonds, as Marcus takes over for his father, who built the program into a consistent winner.

The details

After being dismissed from the Washington football team in 2014 due to conflicts with the coaching staff, Marcus Peters went on to have a successful nine-year NFL career, making the Pro Bowl and intercepting 33 passes. He has spent the past year as a volunteer assistant coach at McClymonds, learning under his father Michael, who is retiring after 13 seasons as the head coach and 142-23 record that includes four state, six regional, and 11 league championships.

  • In 2014, Peters was suspended for one game and later dismissed from the University of Washington football team.
  • Peters was the 18th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
  • Peters played in the NFL for 9 seasons, from 2015 to 2023, for the Chiefs, Rams, Ravens, and Raiders.
  • In 2025, Peters served as a volunteer assistant coach under his father at McClymonds High School.
  • On March 27, 2026, Peters was named the new head football coach at McClymonds High School, replacing his father.

The players

Marcus Peters

A former cornerback for the University of Washington and in the NFL, who has now been hired as the new head football coach at his alma mater, McClymonds High School in Oakland, California.

Michael Peters

The retiring head football coach at McClymonds High School, where he spent over 30 years building the program into a California powerhouse with a 142-23 record.

Chris Petersen

The former head football coach at the University of Washington, who clashed with Marcus Peters during his time on the team.

Steve Sarkisian

The former head football coach at the University of Washington, who recruited Marcus Peters to play for the Huskies.

Jimmy Lake

An assistant coach at the University of Washington during Marcus Peters' time on the team, who Peters is believed to have argued with, leading to his suspension.

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What’s next

As Marcus Peters takes over the McClymonds High School football program, he will look to continue the school's winning tradition and build on the success his father established over his 30+ years as head coach.

The takeaway

Marcus Peters' journey from a troubled college player to an NFL star and now high school head coach represents a remarkable turnaround. His hiring at McClymonds High School allows him to return to his roots and mentor the next generation of players, while also mending fences with the University of Washington program that dismissed him years ago.