Martel Peden enters his first year with the Vikings and will be responsible for coaching the defensive backs. Coach Peden comes to ECSU after spending the past three years as an Assistant Coach at Menchville High School in Newport News, VA. During his time with the Monarchs, Peden helped the program finish above .500 for the first time since 1995 and helped guide them to only there second playoff victory in school history since 1993. In addition to his coaching experience, Peden completed an internship with the the Washington Redskins, was the Assistant Director of Facility Events at the University of Richmond and District Sports Director at the YMCA of Virginia Peninsula,
Peden is no stranger to the CIAA, as he had a successful playing career at Virginia State University. He played defensive back, cornerback and safety from 2012-2016 and was a member of the 2014 Northern Division Championship team. After graduation, Peden played in the Professional Arena Football League, for the Richmond Roughriders, where he won a championship during the 2017-2018 season.
Coach Peden holds a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and a Masters Degree in Sports Management. He currently resides in Newport News, VA and has a daughter, Maliyah Cynclair Peden.
