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Pep Hamilton announced as new QB coach, offensive coordinator for Maryland football

Four days after news broke that Maryland officially had a deal to fill the offensive coordinator vacancy, the program has now announced the hire of Pep Hamilton as both QB coach and offensive coordinator beginning in 2025.

 

 

This marks Hamilton’s first college job since 2017 when he became the assistant head coach and passing game coordinator for two seasons at Michigan. Hamilton has had stints with eight different NFL teams while this marks his fourth job in the college ranks. He also served as Stanford’s offensive coordinator and QB coach during Andrew Luck’s final two seasons, while he’s also previously coached Jay Cutler, Justin Herbert, Alex Smith and Kevin Hogan.

 

Hamilton’s son, 2025 QB Jackson Hamilton, is also among the 11 early enrollees as Pep worked toward finalizing the deal two weekends ago.

 

After serving as the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans in 2022, Hamilton worked as an in-studio analyst for the NFL Network. Terms of Hamilton’s deal have not yet been released.

 

“Pep is one of the most well-respected offensive minds in our business and his addition to the Maryland football family is significant,” head coach Mike Locksley said via release. “Pep has consistently developed players over his career, succeeding at all levels and always bringing out the best in everyone he works with. Additionally, Pep and I share many of the same core values and offensive philosophies, which will allow for a smooth transition.”

 

More via release:


Hamilton’s Coaching Career & Accomplishments


  • Has 15-years of coaching experience in the National Football League.

  • Has previously served as the Offensive Coordinator for the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Stanford Cardinal and Howard Bison.

  • As the passing game coordinator / quarterbacks coach for the Texans in 2021, Hamilton worked closely with rookie QB Davis Mills, as he set the franchise record for passing yards by a rookie (2,664 yards). Mills had one of the most efficient rookie seasons in NFL history under Hamilton's guidance, completing 66.8 percent of his passes for the third-best completion percentage in NFL history among first-year quarterbacks.

  • In 2020, Hamilton served as the quarterbacks coach for the Chargers and was instrumental in the development of QB Justin Herbert, who went on to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Herbert's 31 passing, touchdowns are the most by a rookie quarterback in NFL history and his 4,336 passing yards are the second-most in league history. As a unit, the Chargers offense was the ninth-best in the league (382.1 yards per game) and notched the sixth-most passing yards per game (270.6).

  • Serving as the Head Coach & GM of the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2020, Hamilton had his team tied for first in the East Division before the remainder of the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • As the primary offensive play caller at Michigan in 2018, Hamilton helped guide the Wolverines to a 10-3 record and rank second in the conference by averaging 35.2 points per game.

  • As the OC in Indianapolis, Hamilton guided the Colts to two AFC South division titles and an appearance in the 2014 AFC Championship Game.

  • The Colts offense set franchise records for passing yards (4,894) and net yards (6,506) during the 2014 season, with the passing total leading all NFL teams. The team also recorded the second-most points (458) and third-most first downs (371) in team history. During that season, quarterback Andrew Luck led the NFL with 40 passing touchdowns and set a Colts record with eight straight 300-yard passing games. Hamilton's offense also featured two tight ends with eight receiving touchdowns each and had a receiver gain 1,300 yards.

  • In his first year with the Colts, Hamilton helped Luck trim his interception total in half; 18 as a rookie to nine in 2013. Indianapolis led the NFL and set a franchise record for fewest turnovers (14) and the running game had its highest rushing total (1,743) in seven seasons.

  • In 2010, Hamilton joined Jim Harbaugh's staff at Stanford as the wide receivers coach. He served as the Cardinal's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2011-12 seasons, working closely with Luck, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist and Pac-12 Player of the Year. Luck also won the 2011 Maxwell Award as the nation's top player.

  • Hamilton spent eight seasons in the NFL before going to Stanford. He was the quarterbacks coach with the Chicago Bears for three seasons (2007-09) and was the offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach for the San Francisco 49ers (2006) and New York Jets (2004-06). Hamilton was an offensive quality control coach with the Jets (2003) and started his NFL experience as a pro personnel intern with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2002 season. He also did internships with the Washington Redskins (2001) and Kansas City Chiefs (2000).

  • Hamilton began his coaching career as the quarterbacks coach at his alma mater, Howard University, for five seasons (1997-2001). Hamilton added the role of offensive coordinator to his responsibilities during his final three seasons.

  • Hamilton earned his bachelor's degree in business from Howard University in 1997. He played quarterback at Howard and earned the school's scholar-athlete award in 1995 and 1996.


Hamilton’s Coaching Timeline


2025: Maryland, Offensive Coordinator & QB Coach

2022: Houston Texans, Offensive Coordinator

2021: Houston Texans, Passing Game Coordinator & QB Coach

2020: Los Angeles Chargers, QB Coach

2020: DC Defenders, Head Coach & General Manager

2017-18: Michigan, Assistant Head Coach/Passing Game Coordinator

2016: Cleveland Browns, Associate Head Coach/Offense

2013-15: Indianapolis Colts, Offensive Coordinator

2011-12: Stanford, Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach

2010: Stanford, WR Coach

2007-09: Chicago Bears, QB Coach

2006: San Francisco 49ers, Offensive Assistant/QB Coach

2004-05: New York Jets, Offensive Assistant/QBs

2003: New York Jets, Offensive Quality Control

2002: Baltimore Ravens, Pro Personnel Intern

1999-2001: Howard University, Offensive Coordinator/QBs

1997-98: Howard University, QB Coach

 

Hamilton’s Personal File


Full Name: Alfonza “Pep” Hamilton

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

High School: West Charlotte (N.C.)

College: Howard University, 1997 (B.A., business)

 

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