Thunderbirds Tab Andy Thomson As Defensive Coordinator

Published: December 13, 2018 | Author: Bryson Lester | Read Time: 2 minutes

The Thunderbird football program and head coach Demario Warren have announced the hiring of Andy Thompson as the team’s new Defensive Coordinator. Thompson has spent the last 14 seasons at Northern Arizona, 10 of which were spent as the team’s DC.

“I have respected Andy and his work for a long time, and couldn’t be more thrilled to add someone with his experience to our staff,” Warren said. “He is a great coach and mentor, and will be a great addition to our program and community.”

Warren served as the defensive coordinator for the Thunderbirds during the 2018 campaign following the departure of Rod Chance leading up to the season.

Thompson coached more than 60 All-Big Sky team members during his tenure with the Lumberjacks.

NAU finished the 2018 season third in the Big Sky in total defense, allowing a league-low 1,797 yards through the air. In total the Lumberjacks only allowed 148 completions and finished the year with 17 interceptions. They also gave up the least amount of yards at 3,824. At the end of the 2018 season Jake Casteel was one of the biggest playmakers for the Lumberjacks under the direction of Thompson. He finished the year with 90 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception.

In 2013, Thompson was integral in the Lumberjacks making their first FCS Playoff Appearance in 10 years. That season, 10 of Thompson’s players earned All-Conference honors, including AP All-American Lucky Dozier. That same season the Lumberjacks led the FCS in defensive touchdowns, as they broke into the endzone on eight different occasions.

“Really excited and thankful for this opportunity to join a new family at Southern Utah,” Thompson said. “I have a great deal of respect for coach Warren and what he has built at SUU, and I look forward to becoming part of that. It’s been a great 14 years in Flagstaff, but my family and I are excited for the adventure ahead and look forward to helping Southern Utah bring more championships home in the future.”

Thompson started his coaching career at Eastern Oregon in 2004 as a linebacker coach. He originally served as the running back coach for the Lumberjacks before switching to linebackers and special teams in 2007.

He graduated with a degree in health enhancement from Montana in 2004 after playing for the Grizzlies for four seasons. While suiting up for Montana, Thompson helped lead the Grizzlies to multiple Big Sky Conference Championships and a National Championship in 2001. He and his wife Mikal have three sons: Mac, Austin and Teague.

Keep tabs on the Thunderbirds by following @SUUFB on Twitter and Instagram and by liking the Southern Utah Football page on Facebook.

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