Peyton Manning’s son, Marshall, just announced he’ll be playing quarterback at Baylor School in Tennessee, and leading the team is head coach Erik Kimrey.
Kimrey isn’t just any coach; he left his dream job at the University of South Carolina to take the helm at Baylor. Known for developing quarterbacks and building strong programs, Kimrey brings serious experience and passion to the field.
With Marshall now under his wing, all eyes are on what this duo can accomplish in Tennessee high school football.
From Backyard Plays to Friday Night Lights
Erik Kimrey grew up in Irmo, South Carolina, the son of legendary high school coach Bill Kimrey. Football was in his blood. He and his brothers spent their childhood scripting plays and mimicking sideline strategies they’d picked up watching their dad coach.
That early obsession led Erik to a record-setting senior year and the title of South Carolina Offensive Player of the Year. He walked on at USC, where he made history with a single unforgettable play: “The Fade.” The play was unforgettable because with just seconds of playing time, Erik delivered a perfect 4th-and-10 touchdown pass that ended South Carolina’s 21-game SEC losing streak in dramatic fashion.
After his playing days, he spent two decades coaching at Hammond School, winning 12 state titles. In 2020, he landed his dream job as a tight ends coach at USC, but left just a year later for Baylor School. Why? He wanted to impact high school athletes the same way his dad did on and off the field.
How Erik Kimrey Reacted to Peyton’s Speech
After Peyton Manning announced his retirement in 2016, Erik Kimrey went straight to X and wrote, “Peyton Manning’s retirement speech highlights football as it should be. A game of selflessness, perseverance, passion, and brotherhood.”
That one post said a lot. Manning’s words struck a nerve with coaches like Kimrey, who value substance over hype.
When Peyton opened with, “Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be,” it reflected exactly how Kimrey coaches young athletes, seeing their potential, not just their present.
Later, Manning said, “Football has taught me not to be led by obstructions and setbacks but instead to be led by dreams.” That’s Kimrey’s lane. And when Peyton closed with a reminder to enjoy the little things? That hit home for a coach who left college football to make an impact at the high school level.
Erik Kimrey on Trevor Lawrence at Clemson
Back in 2019, when Trevor Lawrence was lighting it up at Clemson, Erik Kimrey didn’t hesitate to call it like he saw it. He posted on X, “Trevor Lawrence reminds me of Peyton Manning except that he is better than Peyton at this point in his career… #GiveCreditWhereCreditIsDue.”
That’s high praise coming from a guy who clearly respects Manning’s legacy. Besides being impressed, Erik recognized greatness in the making. No wonder, he’s the only coach in South Carolina history to win 6 consecutive state championships.
It also showed his ability to spot elite talent early and give credit without bias, even when comparing two quarterbacks. It’s clear Kimrey values football IQ, preparation, and leadership, and knows it when he sees it.