Alonzo Carter Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Appointment, Contract, Salary, Net Worth, Wife, Family

Profile Summary

Early Life and Roots

Alonzo Carter was born on November 25, 1968, in Oakland, California. He grew up in the “Lower Bottoms” of West Oakland, a neighborhood known for its rich cultural history but also for its significant socioeconomic challenges. Raised primarily by his mother, Mary Abraham, Carter navigated a tough environment where he witnessed the struggles of poverty and crime firsthand. He did not meet his biological father, Henry Carter, until he was 23 years old, a fact that later fueled his dedication to being a father figure for the young men he coaches.

Despite suffering from severe asthma as a child, which often kept him indoors, Carter developed a relentless drive to compete. He attended McClymonds High School in Oakland, an institution with a storied athletic pedigree that includes NBA legend Bill Russell and MLB star Frank Robinson.

The “Hammer Time” Era: A Life on Stage

Long before he was drawing up plays on a whiteboard, Alonzo Carter was a global superstar in the entertainment industry. In the late 1980s, while attending Cal State Hayward (now Cal State East Bay), Carter and a group of friends formed a dance troupe called “Ho Frat Ho.” This group was innovative for its time, blending hip-hop dance with the precise, rhythmic stepping style of African American fraternities. Their unique style caught the eye of a rising local rapper named MC Hammer, who was also an Oakland native.

Carter was hired as the lead dancer and head choreographer for MC Hammer, launching him into a whirlwind career in the music industry. From 1989 to the mid-90s, Carter toured the globe on the massive “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em” tour. He was a featured dancer in some of the most iconic music videos of the era, including the smash hit “U Can’t Touch This” and “Turn This Mutha Out.” This period of his life was defined by discipline and showmanship; he learned how to command an audience and manage the pressures of high-level performance, skills that translated seamlessly to coaching.

Coaching Career

Alonzo Carter’s coaching resume is a testament to his ability to build programs from the ground up. His career path did not follow the traditional route of a graduate assistant; instead, he proved his worth in the trenches of high school and junior college football before earning his shot at the Division I level.

High School Domination: McClymonds and Berkeley

Following his music career, Carter returned to Oakland in the mid-1990s with a desire to give back to his community. He began his coaching life at his alma mater, McClymonds High School, initially as a track and field coach before taking over the football program. His commitment to his students was absolute; in a legendary story often cited by peers, Carter once sold his prized 1987 Corvette—a trophy from his MC Hammer touring days—to buy new track uniforms for his team because the school couldn’t afford them.

From 1999 to 2006, he revitalized the McClymonds Warriors, leading them to multiple league titles and three Oakland Section “Silver Bowl” Championships. His success continued at Berkeley High School from 2007 to 2009, where he proved his system worked across different programs. During these years, he didn’t just win games; he sent dozens of players to college on scholarships, using football as a vehicle to change lives in the Bay Area.

Junior College Powerhouse: Contra Costa College

In 2010, Carter took on a massive challenge at Contra Costa College in San Pablo. The football program was struggling mightily, having won only 11 games in the previous five years. Carter orchestrated a complete turnaround, transforming the Comets into a junior college powerhouse. Over seven seasons, he compiled a stellar record, winning four conference championships and two bowl games.

His tenure at Contra Costa was defined by his “tough love” approach. He focused heavily on academic accountability, ensuring his players were eligible to transfer to four-year universities. His ability to develop talent earned him the CCCAA Coach of the Year award three times (2012, 2014, 2015), cementing his reputation as one of the best developmental coaches in California.

Division I Ascension: San Jose State and Arizona

Carter’s leap to NCAA Division I football came in 2017 when he was hired by head coach Brent Brennan at San Jose State University. Serving as the running backs coach and later as the assistant head coach, Carter became an invaluable asset to the Spartans. His recruiting prowess was immediately felt, as he tapped into his deep Bay Area connections to bring top talent to San Jose. He played a pivotal role in the team’s historic 2020 season, where the Spartans won the Mountain West Conference championship. For his efforts, he was named the 247Sports Mountain West Recruiter of the Year in 2019.

When Brent Brennan moved to the University of Arizona in 2024, Carter followed, taking on the role of Assistant Head Coach and Run Game Coordinator. In the Big 12 environment, Carter continued to shine, helping to stabilize the program during a time of transition. His time in Tucson allowed him to prove his coaching acumen at the “Power 4” level, preparing him for the next major step in his career.

New Role: Head Coach at Sacramento State

Recently in December 2025, Alonzo Carter was officially introduced as the 14th Head Football Coach in Sacramento State history. He replaced Brennan Marion, who departed for a coordinator position at Colorado. The hiring was met with widespread enthusiasm from alumni and local media, who viewed Carter as the perfect cultural fit for the program.

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to lock down Northern California recruiting. Sacramento State, a perennial contender in the FCS playoffs, sought a leader who could maintain the program’s winning culture while injecting new energy. Carter’s introductory press conference was electric, with the new coach promising to bring “Juice” and discipline to the capital city. He has stated that his goal is not just to win the Big Sky Conference, but to compete for a National Championship.

Major Achievements and Awards

Alonzo Carter’s trophy case is unique, featuring awards from both the music industry and the sports world.

• Multi-Platinum Record: Awarded for sales of MC Hammer’s “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em” album (over 10 million copies sold).

• CCCAA Coach of the Year: Won three times (2012, 2014, 2015) while at Contra Costa College.

• Mountain West Recruiter of the Year: Awarded by 247Sports in 2019 for his recruiting success at San Jose State.

• Zoomtopia Award (2020): Won the “Innovation with Emphasis on Diversity” award for creating the West Coast Zoom clinics.

• Hall of Fame Inductee: Inducted into the African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame (2001) and the Contra Costa College Hall of Fame (Class of 2026).

Personal Life and Family

Alonzo Carter is a dedicated family man who frequently speaks about the importance of fatherhood. He is married to Roezell Carter, and together they have built a supportive family unit that is often seen at his games. He is the father of four children: Alonzo II, Alona, Anthony, and Kennedie. His journey as a father began young, as he had his first son at age 17.

Education has always been a central theme in Carter’s narrative. Although he left college early to tour with MC Hammer, he promised his mother he would finish his degree. Decades later, he fulfilled that promise, earning his Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from Cal State East Bay in 2016.

The “West Coast Zoom” Legacy

Beyond the wins and losses, Alonzo Carter is a pioneer in professional networking for minority coaches. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched the “West Coast Zoom,” a weekly video conference that started as a small check-in among friends and grew into a nationwide movement. The calls featured guest speakers like NFL head coach Mike Tomlin and provided a platform for hundreds of minority coaches to network, share strategies, and find employment opportunities.

Net Worth and Salary

As of late 2025, Alonzo Carter’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be growing significantly with his transition to a Division I head coaching role. His earnings from his music career in the 90s provided a foundation, but his coaching contracts have become his primary source of income.

Regarding his salary at Sacramento State, specific contract details were not immediately released upon his hiring in December 2025. However, market context provides a strong estimate. His predecessor, Brennan Marion, had a total compensation package valued at approximately $750,000 annually. It is expected that Carter’s package is competitive with this figure, likely falling in the range of $500,000 to $750,000, making him one of the higher-paid coaches in the FCS.

Conclusion

Alonzo Carter is more than just a football coach; he is a cultural architect. His journey from the hard streets of West Oakland to the bright lights of the stage and finally to the head coaching chair at Sacramento State is a powerful narrative of perseverance. With a platinum record on his wall and a whistle around his neck, Carter represents a new era of leadership—one that embraces diversity, history, and the power of believing in the underdog.

FAQs

Who is Alonzo Carter?

Alonzo Carter is the Head Football Coach at Sacramento State, hired recently in December 2025. He is a former Division I assistant coach and a former professional dancer for MC Hammer.

Did Alonzo Carter really dance for MC Hammer?

Yes, he was the lead dancer and choreographer for MC Hammer in the late 1980s and 90s, appearing in the “U Can’t Touch This” video.

How old is Alonzo Carter?

Born on November 25, 1968, he is 57 years old as of late 2025.

What is Alonzo Carter’s new role?

He serves as the 14th head coach of the Sacramento State Hornets football team, replacing Brennan Marion.

Is Alonzo Carter married?

Yes, he is married to Roezell Carter.

How many children does Alonzo Carter have?

He has four children: Alonzo II, Alona, Anthony, and Kennedie.

What is Alonzo Carter’s coaching record?

As a head coach at the high school and junior college levels, he compiled an overall record of 129-69-3.

Where did Alonzo Carter go to college?

He graduated from Cal State East Bay (formerly Cal State Hayward) with a degree in African American Studies in 2016.