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Pep Hamilton
Pep Hamilton
from Wikipedia

Alfonza "Pep" Hamilton (born September 19, 1974) is an American football coach who currently serves as the offensive coordinator for the Maryland Terrapins. He was previously the head coach and general manager of the DC Defenders of the XFL, the quarterbacks coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, and the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL).

Key Information

Playing career

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College

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A native of Charlotte, North Carolina who graduated from West Charlotte High School, Hamilton played quarterback from 1993 to 1996 at Howard University. While at Howard, Hamilton earned the team's scholar-athlete award in 1995 and 1996.[1]

Coaching career

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Early career

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Hamilton started his coaching career at Howard University, where he served as the team's quarterbacks coach before becoming the team's offensive coordinator. Hamilton coached in the National Football League for the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers before taking a position as quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears on March 5, 2007.[1]

College coaching

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In 2010, Hamilton was hired by the University of New Mexico Lobos after Tee Martin left for the Kentucky Wildcats and was named co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. However, after Ron Turner left Stanford for the Indianapolis Colts, Hamilton left New Mexico before the start of the season to be the wide receivers coach at Stanford.[2] In 2011, he was promoted to offensive coordinator under new head coach David Shaw.[1]

Indianapolis Colts

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In 2013, Hamilton was named as the new offensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts, after former OC Bruce Arians left to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. The move reunited Hamilton with former Stanford starting quarterback Andrew Luck, tight end Coby Fleener, and wide receiver Griff Whalen.[3] Hamilton turned down an offer to become the offensive coordinator of the Virginia Tech Hokies, citing a desire to be reunited with his former protege Andrew Luck.

On December 30, 2014 the Oakland Raiders interviewed Hamilton concerning their coaching vacancy, but opted to hire Jack Del Rio.[4]

On November 3, 2015, the Colts fired Hamilton.[5]

Cleveland Browns

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In January 2016, Hamilton was named as the associate head coach and quarterbacks coach for the Cleveland Browns.[6]

Michigan Wolverines

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In 2017, Hamilton was signed by the Wolverines to a four-year $4.25m contract.[7]

DC Defenders

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In February 2019, Hamilton joined the XFL's DC Defenders to be their head coach and general manager for the 2020 XFL season.

Los Angeles Chargers

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In April 2020, Hamilton joined the Los Angeles Chargers to be their quarterbacks coach for the 2020 NFL season. He was an integral part of the success of Justin Herbert who won the offensive rookie of the year award.[8]

Houston Texans

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On March 10, 2021, Hamilton was hired by the Houston Texans as their passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach under head coach David Culley.[9] On February 7, 2022, Hamilton was promoted to offensive coordinator.[10] After the season, he was not retained.[11]

Maryland

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On February 4, 2025, Hamilton was hired to serve as the offensive coordinator for the Maryland Terrapins.[12]

Head coaching record

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XFL

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
DC 2020 3 2 0 .600 TBD 0 0 .000 TBD
Total 3 2 0 .600 0 0 .000

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Alfonza "Pep" Hamilton (born September 19, 1974) is an coach with extensive experience in both the () and , specializing in development and offensive coordination. He is the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the University of Maryland Terrapins, a position he has held since February 2025. Born in , Hamilton played quarterback at , where he earned a in business in 1997 and received the school's scholar-athlete award. He began his coaching career at his as quarterbacks coach from 1997 to 2001, adding responsibilities in his final two or three seasons. Hamilton entered the in 2003 as offensive quality control coach with the , followed by offensive assistant/quarterbacks coach roles there in 2004 and 2005. He continued in assistant positions with the (2006, offensive asst./QB), (2007–2009, quarterbacks), and (2010, wide receivers). In 2011–2012, he served as and quarterbacks coach at Stanford before joining the in 2013 as quarterbacks coach, working with rookie , and was promoted to that year, a role he held through 2015. After his time with the Colts, Hamilton served as associate head coach-offense for the in 2016 and then as assistant head coach and passing game coordinator at the from 2017 to 2019. He returned to the NFL as quarterbacks coach for the [Los Angeles Chargers](/page/Los Angeles_Chargers) in 2020, where he mentored during his rookie season. In 2021, he joined the Houston Texans as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, earning promotion to in 2022. After 2022, Hamilton was out of a coaching position until February 2025, during which he interviewed for several NFL roles. Additionally, in 2020, Hamilton was named and general manager of the in the XFL, leading the team to a 3–5 record before the league suspended operations. Throughout his career, Hamilton has accumulated over 15 years of coaching experience and has worked with prominent quarterbacks including , , and , contributing to dynamic passing offenses across professional and collegiate levels.

Early life and playing career

Early life

Alfonza "Pep" Hamilton was born on September 19, 1974, in . Hamilton grew up in Charlotte, where he attended West Charlotte High School. He was a standout there, earning recruitment interest from multiple colleges. During his time there, he developed an early passion for football, playing as a quarterback and gaining foundational experience in the sport amid the local high school scene. He was raised by his parents, Stanley and Becky Hamilton, whom he has cited as his biggest influences, and has one sister, Tyler. Following high school, Hamilton transitioned to , where he continued his football journey.

College career

Hamilton enrolled at in 1992, where he redshirted his freshman year before joining the team as a from 1993 to 1996. During his playing career, Hamilton primarily served as a to prominent quarterbacks, including Jay Walker in 1993 and 1994, and Ted White in 1995 and 1996; he saw limited action, appearing in just a game and a half in 1993 after Walker was injured. Despite his reserve role, Hamilton demonstrated strong academic performance, earning Howard's scholar-athlete award in both 1995 and 1996 for his excellence in football and studies. In 1997, Hamilton graduated from with a degree in business. Following his graduation, he immediately transitioned into coaching, joining the Howard staff as the quarterbacks coach—a role that marked the beginning of his professional career in football.

College coaching career

Stanford Cardinal

In 2010, Pep Hamilton joined the coaching staff under head coach as the wide receivers coach, marking his return to following three seasons with the . This role allowed him to contribute to the team's passing game development during a season that saw Stanford achieve a 12-1 record and secure a spot in the , where they defeated 40-12. Hamilton was promoted in 2011 to and quarterbacks coach under new David Shaw, positions he held through the 2012 season. In these roles, he played a key part in developing quarterback , who finished as the runner-up in 2011 after leading the Cardinal to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the . Luck's performance under Hamilton's guidance culminated in him being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the by the . During Hamilton's tenure as , Stanford experienced significant team success, including a 12-2 record in , a Pac-12 Championship victory over UCLA (27-24), and a Rose Bowl win against (20-14). These accomplishments highlighted the effectiveness of Stanford's balanced offensive scheme, which averaged over 40 points per game in 2011. Following the 2012 season, Hamilton departed Stanford to become the for the , reuniting with in the .

Michigan Wolverines

Pep Hamilton was hired by the on January 12, , as assistant and passing game coordinator, marking his return to after a stint in the . In this role, Hamilton focused on developing the passing game and working directly with the quarterbacks, leveraging his prior experience as for the from 2013 to 2015 and as associate and quarterbacks coach for the in 2016 to introduce pro-style schemes to the Wolverines' offense. During the 2017 season, Hamilton primarily coached quarterback , who started 11 games and threw for 2,313 yards and 13 touchdowns as finished 8-5 overall and 5-4 in Big Ten play, culminating in a 26-19 victory over in the Bowl. He continued in the same capacities in 2018, shifting his emphasis to transfer quarterback , who started all 13 games, passed for 2,554 yards and 24 touchdowns, and led the team to a 10-3 record with an 8-1 mark in the Big Ten, though they fell 41-35 to Florida State in the . Hamilton's tenure contributed to improved passing efficiency, with the Wolverines ranking in the top half of Big Ten teams in passing yards per game both years, though the offense emphasized a balanced attack under head coach . His work with Patterson helped integrate the into a run-heavy system, fostering development that positioned as a contender in the East Division. Following the 2018 season, Hamilton departed the program on February 5, 2019, as part of broader staff changes under Harbaugh, pursuing new opportunities after two years with the Wolverines.

Maryland Terrapins

In February 2025, University of Maryland head coach Mike Locksley hired Pep Hamilton as the Terrapins' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, citing his extensive NFL experience in developing quarterbacks as a key factor in the decision. Hamilton signed a three-year contract worth $1 million in 2025, $1.25 million in 2026, and $1.5 million in 2027. A notable aspect of Hamilton's tenure at is the opportunity to coach his son, Jackson Hamilton, a three-star recruit from the class of 2025 who committed to the Terrapins in July 2024 and officially signed in December 2024. Jackson, a product of in , represents a personal milestone for Hamilton in his return to college coaching. Prior to the 2025 season, Hamilton emphasized building a balanced offense centered on development and an improved run game, leveraging the rebuilt offensive line to protect the passer and create opportunities for explosive plays. He introduced schematic elements from his background, focusing on rhythm passing and gap-scheme rushing to address prior deficiencies in the Terrapins' ground attack, which had averaged under 100 yards per game in recent seasons. As of November 15, 2025, following a loss to , 's football team stands at 4-5 overall and 1-5 in Big Ten play, reflecting a season of mixed results under Hamilton's offensive direction. Key challenges include a five-game losing streak, highlighted by a 55-10 blowout loss to on November 1, a 35-20 defeat to Rutgers on , and a loss to on November 15, where the defense struggled to contain opponents despite offensive flashes. Improvements have emerged in the run game, with the Terrapins achieving a season-high 305 rushing yards on 29 carries against Rutgers—more than tripling their prior average—demonstrating progress in Hamilton's emphasis on establishing the ground attack. Overall, the offense has shown conceptual growth in balance and efficiency but faces ongoing hurdles in consistency and pass protection amid the team's middling national ranking.

NFL coaching career

Early NFL roles

Hamilton began his NFL coaching career in 2003 as the offensive quality control coach for the , where he analyzed opponent tendencies and supported the offensive staff under head coach Herman Edwards. In this entry-level role, he focused on film breakdown and scheme preparation, laying the groundwork for his professional ascent. Promoted in 2004, Hamilton served as offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach for the Jets, working closely with the quarterback room and contributing to game planning. He retained the same position in 2005, gaining further experience in offensive operations during a season that saw the team finish 10-6 and reach the playoffs. His time in New York provided hands-on involvement in quarterback development and play-calling support. In 2006, Hamilton moved to the as offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach, assisting with the passing game under head coach amid a rebuilding effort. From 2007 to 2009, he joined the as quarterbacks coach, initially mentoring during the 2007 season and later guiding , who set Bears single-season records for pass attempts (593), completions (264), and passing yards (3,166) in 2009. These roles exposed Hamilton to diverse offensive philosophies, including West Coast elements in Chicago, building his expertise in quarterback coaching before advancing to coordinator positions.

Indianapolis Colts

In January 2013, Pep Hamilton was hired as the for the under , replacing who had moved to head coaching in . His appointment brought continuity to , whom Hamilton had coached and developed at Stanford from 2008 to 2011. Hamilton played a key role in Luck's rapid ascent as an NFL starter, guiding the second-year quarterback to Pro Bowl selections in both 2013 and 2014. Under his coordination, Luck demonstrated improved decision-making and arm strength, culminating in career-high performances in 2014 with 4,761 passing yards and 40 touchdowns while leading the league in those categories. This development helped transform the Colts' offense into one of the league's most dynamic units during those seasons. In Hamilton's first year, the Colts offense averaged 24.4 points per game, ranking 14th in the , and propelled the team to an 11-5 record and a wild-card playoff berth, including a dramatic 45-44 comeback victory over the . The offense improved further in 2014, scoring 28.6 points per game (sixth in the league) en route to another 11-5 finish and the division title, with postseason wins over the before a divisional-round loss to the . Hamilton's scheme focused on balance, blending a physical, run-first ground attack—averaging over 100 rushing yards per game in 2013—with quick, short passes to protect and exploit underneath coverage, while incorporating play-action to set up deeper throws. This approach emphasized possession and efficiency, with the Colts ranking among the top teams in time of possession (over 32 minutes per game in ) and third-down conversions during his tenure. Despite the earlier successes, Hamilton was relieved of his duties on November 3, 2015, after the Colts stumbled to a 3-5 start amid inconsistent offensive production and injuries to key players like .

Cleveland Browns

In January 2016, following his mid-season dismissal from the Colts, Pep Hamilton was hired by the as associate head coach for offense under new head coach . His appointment came with expectations of injecting creativity and efficiency into the Browns' offense, drawing from his prior success coordinating high-scoring units in . Hamilton faced immediate challenges in 2016, working with a quarterback room that rotated through multiple starters amid injuries and inconsistencies, including , , and . Jackson retained primary play-calling duties but occasionally delegated to Hamilton during the season. The offense struggled to find rhythm, hampered by poor protection, limited weapons, and a rebuilding roster. The Browns ranked 31st in the in scoring, averaging just 16.5 points per game en route to a 1-15 record, marking one of the league's worst offensive outputs. Hamilton later described the year as particularly challenging, compounded by his ongoing contractual obligations to the Colts. The dismal results contributed to broader staff instability, prompting Hamilton's departure in January 2017 to join the as assistant head coach and passing game coordinator.

Washington Redskins

In 2001, Hamilton completed an with the Washington Redskins as part of his early career development in professional football coaching. This opportunity followed a similar with the in 2000 and provided him with initial exposure to NFL operations before he advanced to full-time roles with teams like the .

Los Angeles Chargers

In May 2020, the hired Pep Hamilton as their s coach under head coach , marking his return to the following his stint as head coach of the in the XFL. Hamilton's tenure with the Chargers centered on developing the quarterback room during a transitional season, working closely with veteran and rookie , who was selected sixth overall in the . Herbert, who took over as starter after Taylor suffered a fractured rib in Week 2, threw for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns in 15 starts under Hamilton's guidance, earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Despite the team's 7-9 record, the Chargers' offense averaged 24.0 , ranking 18th in , with Herbert's emergence providing a foundation for future success. Hamilton's experience from the XFL, where he led the Defenders to a strong passing attack, offered unique preparation for molding a young like Herbert in a high-pressure NFL environment. Following the 2020 season, was relieved of his duties after the Chargers finished third in the , leading to a complete staff overhaul under new . Hamilton departed the organization and was not retained for the 2021 season.

Houston Texans

In January 2021, the Houston Texans hired Pep Hamilton as their passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach under head coach , drawing on his recent success developing rookie quarterback with the . In this role, Hamilton worked closely with second-year quarterback , contributing to the young signal-caller's development during a rebuilding season. Following Culley's dismissal after the campaign, Hamilton was promoted to in February 2022 under new head coach , retaining continuity for the Texans' offense. Hamilton continued to mentor Mills as the primary starter, who appeared in all 15 games that season, completing 292 of 479 passes for 3,118 yards and 17 touchdowns. Despite these efforts, the Texans' offense struggled amid the ongoing rebuild, averaging just 17.0 points per game and ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring. The team finished with a 3-13-1 record, prompting a coaching staff overhaul in the 2023 offseason, during which Hamilton was not retained.

XFL coaching career

DC Defenders

In February 2019, following his time as assistant head coach and passing game coordinator at the , Pep Hamilton was hired as the head coach and general manager of the XFL's Washington, D.C. franchise, providing him an opportunity to lead a professional team in the league's revival. The franchise, later named the , played its home games at and assembled a staff including Tanner Engstrand and Jeffrey Fitzgerald. The Defenders entered the inaugural with Hamilton at the helm, starting strong by defeating the Seattle Dragons 31–19 in the league's opening game on February 8, where starting quarterback threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns in his professional debut. The team implemented the XFL's innovative rules, such as the modified kickoff from the 25-yard line to reduce touchbacks and the elimination of traditional extra-point kicks in favor of risk-reward choices from varying distances, which aimed to enhance excitement and pacing. Hamilton's squad achieved a 3–2 regular-season record, securing first place in the East Division with notable performances including a 27–0 of the New York Guardians—the first in modern XFL history—and a 31–23 victory over the Houston Roughnecks. Key contributors under Hamilton included Jones, who passed for 674 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions in three starts, alongside Jhurell Pressley, who rushed for 190 yards. The season concluded prematurely on March 20, 2020, when the XFL suspended operations indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing playoffs after the Defenders had positioned themselves as contenders. Hamilton's overall head coaching record with the DC Defenders stood at 3–2 (.600 winning percentage), marking his first professional head coaching role. Following the league's suspension in April 2020, Hamilton transitioned back to the NFL as quarterbacks coach for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Personal life

Hamilton is married to Nicole Hamilton. His wife attended DuVal High School in , and her family resides in Prince George's County. As of 2013, the couple had three children. Their son, Jackson Hamilton, is a for the University of Maryland , having signed with the team in December 2024.

References

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