Wayzata High School football is entering a new chapter as Derrin Lamker has been named the program’s new head coach following the departure of longtime leader Lambert Brown. The hire marks an important transition for the Trojans as the program looks to build momentum and reestablish itself as a consistent contender in Class 6A.

Brown officially stepped down in November 2025, with the announcement coming around November 19, shortly after the conclusion of the fall season. He served as Wayzata’s head coach for nine seasons and spent a total of ten years with the program. Brown described his departure as a personal decision and shared that he felt at peace stepping away after years of commitment to Wayzata football.

During his term, Brown led the Trojans to a class 6A state championship in 2019. That title solidified Wayzata as one of the top programs in Minnesota at the time. In more recent years, however, the team struggled to maintain the same level of success, finishing the 2025 season with a record of 1-8. Despite those challenges, Brown’s impact on the program remains significant, particularly in establishing the culture and expectations of Wayzata football.

Following Brown’s departure, Wayzata administrators began a comprehensive search for the next head coach. After evaluating several candidates, the district selected Derrin Lamker, a coach with extensive experience at both the high school and collegiate levels and a history of building competitive programs.

Lamker brings a strong football resume to Wayzata. He has served as the head coach at Osseo Senior High School on two separate occasions, most recently during the 2025 season, when the Orioles finished 4-5. His earlier time at Osseo from 2005-2015 was especially successful, as he compiled a 74-39 overall record and led the program to a state championship in 2015. That stretch established Lamker as one of the most accomplished high school coaches in the state.

In addition to his success at Osseo, Lamker also brings in experience from both high school and college ranks. He coached at Edina High School from 2017-2019 before moving to the collegiate level at Augsburg University, where he served as head coach from 2020-2024. After several years in college football, Lamker returned to the high school game, a transition he said helped refocus his coaching approach.

In a CCX Media interview, Lambert spoke positively about the process that led him to Wayzata, calling it “an awesome experience.” He praised Wayzata’s administration for working collaboratively and said the school’s focus on excellence and student-athlete development “fit my values” as a coach.

Lamker emphasized that providing a meaningful experience for players is one of his top priorities. He noted that student-athletes “only get one shot at it,” and stressed the importance of making high school football memorable. A key part of that vision is creating a special atmosphere on game nights, as Lamker highlighted the importance of making Friday nights special for players and the community.

While experience is a major focus, Lamker also makes it clear that expectations at Wayzata will remain high. “I want the expectations high,” he said, adding that programs should always expect to compete and aim for championships. He believes that a school the size of Wayzata, with its large enrollment and strong athletic tradition, should consistently set its goals at the highest level.

Lamker is taking over a program that has faced recent struggles but one he believes has significant potential. He has expressed confidence that Wayzata football can return to success and is focused on settling into the school and community while building strong relationships with players, coaches, and families.

As Wayzata football looks ahead, Lamker’s arrival represents more than just a coaching change. It signals renewed optimism, a commitment to excellence, and a focus on both performance and player experience. With a championship-winning background and a clear vision for the future, Derrin Lamker is poised to guide Wayzata football into its next era.