ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington University Head Football Coach has announced the addition of new Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Sam King.
"I am excited to welcome Sam to our coaching staff as our Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach," Power said. "Sam's experience within successful programs and competing for championships and postseason berths will be key to our success. As a good quarterback himself, he has a good understanding of the skills and mindset needed to be successful at that position. We are fortunate to have Sam, and his family join us in Ellensburg."
King is no stranger to the state of Washington after spending the 2025 season with the Washington State Cougars as an Assistant Quarterbacks Coach. King helped the Cougars to a 7-6 record last season and a 34-21 victory in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl over Utah State. He helped the Cougar quarterback corps pass for 2,737 yards, 19 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and collectively threw for a 64.06 completion percentage. Quarterback Zevi Eckhaus was named the Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year for 2025 and was named the Dolph Schayes Award under King's guidance.
Prior to his season with Washington State, King spent six seasons with his hometown school, the North Dakota Fighting Hawks as their Wide Receivers Coach where he helped lead the Fighting Hawks to four FCS Playoff appearances including a quarterfinal appearance in 2020. Over his tenure, he's led UND's receiving corps through multiple productive seasons, helping the Fighting Hawks rank near the top nationally in passing efficiency and develop standout performances from multiple receivers who earned All-Conference honors as well as numerous national honors. King's unit contributed to North Dakota's offensive success in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, including a strong 2023 campaign where the passing game excelled nationally.
Before becoming the Wide Receivers Coach, King spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Minnesota Duluth where he primarily worked with the running backs. While at UMD, King helped the Bulldogs rush for over 5,000 combined yards over those two years, culminating in a perfect 11-0 regular season record and a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2018.
Before joining the Bulldogs, King had his first stint with the Fighting Hawks for two seasons serving as a Quality Control Coach, helping the program to a 2016 Big Sky Conference championship and the programs first appearance in the FCS Playoffs.
"My family and I couldn't be more excited to join Central Washington University and be a part of the Ellensburg community," King said. "Wildcat football has a strong tradition, and we are excited to be a part of it!"
King graduated from Bemidji State in 2015 with a degree in Physical Education and followed that by earning his Master of Education from UMD in 2019.
