Will Franklin, who played in the National Football League with the Kansas City Chiefs, is the new head coach at University City High School in St. Louis, Missouri. Franklin’s head coaching experience began in 2020 at his alma mater, Vashon High School in St. Louis.
On the field, the St. Louis native began his career at Beaumont High and then transferred to Vashon, which retired his No. 2 in 2008. As a senior, Franklin won the Missouri Class 3 100-meter dash state title, posting a time 10.81-seconds. He also won a gold medal as part of the 4 X 200-meter replay team.
“Coach Franklin is a seasoned leader and impressed the committee with his skills, vision for the team and for what he wants to accomplish,” said University City Athletic Director Lawndale Thomas in a school news release.
Thomas added, “We have watched Coach Franklin over the years and we have seen how he expertly manages his players. He and his team helped bring the excitement back to the Vashon football program and we are sure he will do a great job for us in U.CIty.”
After playing his college ball with the Missouri Tigers, the wide receiver was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Franklin played in 13 games with seven catches for 83 yards. He also spent a brief period of time with the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders, but didn’t play in another NFL game after his rookie season.
