D'Eriq King (born August 24 1997) is an American football coach and former quarterback. He currently serves as the quarterbacks coach for the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs football program. King played college football at the University of Houston before transferring to the University of Miami, where he concluded his collegiate playing career.
Early life and education
Born in Manvel, Texas, King attended Manvel High School, where he excelled as a dual‑threat quarterback. He set the Texas 6A record for career passing touchdowns (117) previously held by Kyler Murray, finishing his high school tenure with over 10,000 passing yards, more than 3,000 rushing yards, 140 passing touchdowns and 48 rushing touchdowns.
College career
King enrolled at the University of Houston in 2016. After an initial season playing wide receiver due to injuries on the team, he transitioned back to quarterback, eventually earning the starting role. As a junior in 2018, he amassed 2,982 passing yards, 36 passing touchdowns and six interceptions, adding 14 rushing touchdowns; his total touchdown count ranked second nationally among quarterbacks behind Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins. A non‑contact knee injury curtailed his senior season, after which he redshirted the remainder of the 2019 campaign.
In January 2020, King transferred to the University of Miami. He appeared as starting quarterback for the Hurricanes in the 2021 season, notably throwing a touchdown against No. 1 Alabama on September 4, 2021. During his college tenure, he earned second‑team All‑American Athletic Conference honors in 2018.
Professional playing career
King went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent brief periods on the practice squads of the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers during the 2022 season. In 2023, he joined the DC Defenders of the XFL, appearing as a backup quarterback.
Coaching career
Transitioning to coaching, King served as an offensive analyst for SMU in 2023. He was promoted to quarterbacks coach and co‑offensive coordinator beginning with the 2024 season, joining a cohort of young coaches recognized by publications such as 247Sports' “30 Under 30” list.
Personal endeavors
King was among the first collegiate athletes to sign name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements following NCAA rule changes in July 2021, partnering with brands including College Hunks Hauling Junk. He has also co‑founded Dreamfield, a company focused on live appearances for athletes.
References: Wikipedia article “D'Eriq King,” SMU Mustangs staff directory, University of Houston and Miami athletics biographies, Pro Football Reference.