Former Central-Phenix City, Auburn University star Ed King named Columbus Lions assistant coach

Phenix City native Ed King, who played football for Auburn University and in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints, has been named as the offensive and defensive line coach for the Columbus Lions.

An offensive tackle for Pat Dye’s Tigers, he was drafted by the Browns in 1991, playing for Bill Belichick and Nick Saban.

King’s 10 years of professional football experience also includes stints in the NFL Europe with the Barcelona Dragons and the Canadian Football League and the Xtreme Football League.

After retiring from football in 2001, King began a career in sales and marketing before moving into teaching and coaching. Most recently, he taught mathematics and assisted the coaching staff at Central High School.

King will lend his playing and coaching experience to a solid Lions offensive line that ranked third in the league in sacks against - giving up 14 on the season - and a defensive line that ranked second in sacks with 36.

“Bringing in Ed was a top priority for us. Our line play was above average on both sides of the ball last year but I am confident that we can get these guys to another level with Ed here,” Lions coach Jason Gibson said.

This story was originally published October 14, 2009 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Former Central-Phenix City, Auburn University star Ed King named Columbus Lions assistant coach."