Kyle Schmitt Returns to Maryland as Tight Ends Coach, Bringing Deep Local Roots and Proven Leadership
COLLEGE PARK, MD - Maryland football is bringing one of its own back into the fold. Head Coach Michael Locksley announced the hiring of Kyle Schmitt as the Terrapins’ new tight ends coach - a move that not only adds coaching talent to the staff but also strengthens the program’s deep ties to the state’s football fabric.
For Schmitt, this isn’t just a job - it’s a homecoming. A former Terp himself, Schmitt has spent the last decade-plus building Archbishop Spalding into one of the premier high school football programs in Maryland.
His impact there is already felt inside the Maryland locker room: six current Terrapins played under Schmitt at Spalding. Now, he’ll be mentoring them once again - this time at the collegiate level.
“Bringing Kyle back home is incredibly meaningful for our program,” Locksley said. “He’s a Terp and understands what Maryland football is about.
He’s proven over many years that he can mentor young men and develop talent at a high level. Kyle’s leadership, teaching ability, and strong relationships throughout the state make him a great addition to our staff.”
Schmitt’s football journey has been deeply intertwined with Maryland from the start. He suited up for the Terrapins from 2001 to 2004, carving out a role as a reliable and physical presence along the offensive line.
After redshirting in 2000, he became a steady contributor, appearing in 48 games and starting 27 of them at both center and guard. His first start came on a big stage - the 2002 Orange Bowl - after Maryland’s 10-win season in 2001.
By 2003, Schmitt had become the anchor of the offensive line, starting every game at center and earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors. That season featured some memorable moments, including a hard-fought road win at NC State and a statement 41-7 victory over West Virginia in the Gator Bowl. As a redshirt senior in 2004, he once again started every game, bringing stability and leadership to an experienced offensive front.
After college, Schmitt took his shot at the pros. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent following the 2005 NFL Draft and spent the preseason with the team.
His pro journey continued in NFL Europe, where he started six games with the Cologne Centurions and also spent time with the Amsterdam Admirals and Berlin Thunder. In 2006, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals and participated in training camp.
Coaching was always in the cards for Schmitt, and he made the transition quickly. He got his start at the collegiate level in 2006 as the tight ends coach at St.
Vincent College. But it was in the high school ranks where he really made his mark.
From 2009 to 2013, he led Atholton High School, helping elevate the program before taking over at Archbishop Spalding. Under his leadership, Spalding became a powerhouse - consistently producing top talent and competing at both the state and national levels.
Schmitt’s return to Maryland isn’t just about X’s and O’s - it’s about culture, connection, and continuity. He knows what it means to wear the Maryland jersey, and he understands the landscape of high school football in the state better than most. That kind of insight is invaluable on the recruiting trail and in the locker room.
A two-time Maryland graduate, Schmitt holds a Bachelor’s degree in history and a Master’s in Education Policy and Leadership. Football runs in the family, too - his brother Andrew was a long snapper for the Terps.
With Schmitt now on board, Maryland adds not just a coach, but a builder - someone who’s developed talent, built programs, and lived the Terps experience from the inside. It’s a hire that speaks to Maryland’s commitment to keeping strong ties to its roots while continuing to push the program forward.