Lamar King: From NFL Defensive Lineman to Making His Mark As A Maryland High School Coach

Lamar King, a former NFL defensive lineman and first-round draft pick, is making his mark in the high school coaching world with a vision to create a pipeline of top-tier linebackers at his new school, Calvert Hall. King, who was the 22nd overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1999 NFL Draft, played six years in the league—five with Seattle and a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Before his coaching days, King had a standout football career at Division II Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan and Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland. During his time at Montgomery College, King dominated as a defensive end and linebacker, leading the team to a 9-1 record in 1996 and earning a spot on the NJCAA All-American First Team. His 18 sacks led the nation, and he was instrumental in the Knights’ success, ranking 13th nationally and excelling in both pass and total defense.

After transferring to Saginaw Valley State, the first-team defensive linemen continued to shine, starting each year catching the attention of NFL scouts. His hard work paid off when the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. Over his NFL career, King averaged 65 tackles, including 43 solo tackles, 12 sacks, and seven tipped passes, before injuries eventually led to his retirement after the 2003 season.

After retiring from the NFL, King transitioned into coaching, bringing his wealth of experience and passion for the game to the high school level. He started coaching as the defensive coordinator at Sparrows Point High School in Maryland. During his tenure at Sparrows Point, King focused on developing skilled football players and molding young men with strong character. He eventually became elevated to head coaching, where he had two good seasons with deep playoff runs.

King’s success at Sparrows Point did not go unnoticed. So when the opportunity came to coach in the MIAA A Conference, Maryland’s toughest private school competition, King accepted the linebacker coach position. This move aligns with his goal of developing elite linebackers and creating a lasting legacy in high school football. King is well-acquainted with the college recruitment process from his professional experience and his children’s athletic careers. His daughter, Mya, graduated from Sparrows Point in 2019 and earned three state titles in hurdles, while his son, Lamar Jr., attends Calvert Hall and plays baseball.

As King embarks on this new chapter at Calvert Hall, he brings a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of football, both on and off the field. With his leadership, Calvert Hall’s linebackers are poised to reach new heights, and the program is set to become a beacon for aspiring athletes in the region.