Long Beach City College recently appointed a new leader of the school’s football program, announcing that defensive coordinator Marques Cooper would be the school’s new head coach, along with the title of Acting Director of Football Operations.
Cooper has been an integral piece of the Vikings coaching staff in recent seasons, working under previous head coach Brett Peabody, who spent 12 years as LBCC’s head coach. Last season, Cooper served as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Vikings, and he’s also coached at Azusa Pacific, El Camino College, and Santa Monica College.
“We remain dedicated to providing a strong foundation of academic and athletic support for our student-athletes,” said LBCC Athletic Director Kal Stewart in a statement. “Our football program and all LBCC Athletics will continue to transform the student-athlete experience by building champions in the classroom, of character, and in competition.”
The coaching change ends a successful 12-year tenure for previous head coach Brett Peabody, who compiled a 70-47 record across 11 seasons–with one lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Peabody led the Vikings to four conference titles from 2015-19, winning Coach of the Year honors in 2015 after LBCC posted a 10-2 record.
The Vikings made the postseason seven times under Peabody’s leadership, and routinely sent athletes to the Division 1 ranks on athletic scholarships.
“I’m thankful for my time at LBCC,” said Peabody after his departure. “I’m proud of all that my staff and I accomplished both on the field and off of it. Eleven seasons, eight postseason games, four conference titles, 9-2 in our rivalry games vs. Cerritos and El Camino. I was blessed to coach a ton of great players, with over 200 and counting earning scholarships. I also made some great friends, especially among our classified employees.
“I wish my friend Coach Cooper the best of luck this season, he’ll do a great job.”
Peabody recently drew headlines when a DM he sent on Twitter/X was made public back in January, less than two months after the Vikings’ season had concluded. Ultimately, it proved to be his final season on the sidelines for the Vikings, though Peabody said he still plans to pursue coaching opportunities in the near future.
LBCC went 6-5 last season, earning a berth in the SCFA Beach Bowl, a 39-33 loss at Ventura College on Nov. 27.
