Thomas Jefferson tabs alum Derrick Martin as new football coach

Thomas Jefferson has hired prominent alum Derrick Martin as its next football coach.

Spartans athletic director Andrew Skari announced the hire on Saturday morning.

Martin takes over for Jesus Escobedo, who resigned in February. Escobedo led T.J. for three seasons, and was 10-20. The Spartans play in Class 3A.

Martin was a star quarterback and cornerback at Thomas Jefferson. He also starred while playing basketball, and qualified for the state meet in track.

After graduating, he went on to play at Wyoming. From there, he spent eight seasons in the NFL with five different teams. Martin is a two-time Super Bowl champion, winning in 2011 with Green Bay, and 2012 with the New York Giants.

Thomas Jefferson will return a young roster in 2016, with a number of key contributors back. Included: quarterback Dane Washington, who will be a senior; the Spartans’ four leading rushers, and top three receivers; as well as four of the five leading tacklers.

Adrian Chambers, who had 12 sacks on defense, will also be a senior.

Follow all of this offseason’s coaching movement in our coaching changes tracker.