The wait is over for Darrell McNeal.
After spending six seasons as an assistant coach for the Lynnwood High School boys basketball team, McNeal has accepted the top job.
McNeal, a 1988 Cascade High graduate, is Lynnwood’s new head coach. Before coaching at Lynnwood he was a high school assistant two years at Mariner and five years at Cascade. McNeal also spent one season as an assistant for the Edmonds Community College men’s team.
“We’re excited to have Darrell take over our boys basketball program,” Lynnwood High athletic director Rob McMains said in a statement. “He knows our kids, will invest in them on a personal level, and lead by example.”
McNeal takes over the Lynnwood program from Landon Porter, who last month resigned following eight seasons guiding the Royals. Porter accepted a coaching job in Albuquerque, N.M.
McNeal, 38, called the Lynnwood job “a great opportunity.” This past season the team had a 7-9 record in Western Conference South Division games. The Royals went 12-13 overall and won two games at the Class 3A District 1 tournament.
“Now we’re at a place where we are competitive and I want to continue to be competitive and try to take these kids in the same direction and advance,” he said.
McNeal teaches at T.T. Minor Elementary School in Seattle. He helped Porter rebuild a Lynnwood program that sets high expectations for coaches and players on and off the court, McMains said.
“Darrell has the character, motivation, and leadership abilities to continue to lead the program in a positive direction,” McMains said.
As a player, McNeal was a guard who started two seasons at Cascade before playing for Edmonds CC. One of his main coaching goals is to instill a strong work ethic, he said.
“I want them to have the mentality that I’m going to out-hustle you, I’m going to out-work you and I’m going to be fundamentally sound,” said McNeal.
McNeal said before next school year he hopes to find a teaching job in the Edmonds School District so he can work closer to Lynnwood High.
Writer Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
