Oregon State football running backs coach Ford hired as Idaho head coach

Published 1:51 pm Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Oregon State running backs coach Thomas Ford was hired to become the 37th head coach of the FCS Idaho Vandals football team, the university announced Wednesday, Dec. 18. 

“First I would like to thank my wife Shannon and my kiddos for being the support system most dream of,” Ford was quoted as saying in Idaho’s press release. “I couldn’t be more excited to be coming back to (Idaho). This place is truly special and want to continue the standard of excellence that has been set by (former Idaho head coach Jason Eck). We’re going to be aggressive in everything we do. Schematically on offense, defense, and special teams and especially in recruiting!

“We will continue bringing in high character athletes that will help us take the program to the next level. I can’t wait to get back home and get to work!”

The position at Idaho opened when Eck, who served as head coach from 2022 to 2024, accepted the same role at FBS New Mexico. Eck and the Vandals made the FCS playoffs in all three seasons, twice reaching the quarterfinal and achieving a 26-13 record in the span. 

Ford spent one season in Corvallis coaching a Beavers backfield that rushed for a total of 2,270 yards and averaged 4.7 yards a carry.

“(I) appreciate everything Coach Ford did for this program!” Oregon State head coach Trent Bray tweeted after Idaho introduced Ford. “(I’m) excited for him, wish him the best!”

Colorado-transfer Anthony Hankerson led the way in Oregon State’s ground game, finishing off the season with 232 carries for 1,082 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. Sixth-year senior Jam Griffin added 450 yards and four scores before going down with a season-ending injury against Colorado State. 

Prior to his time in Corvallis, Ford served as Idaho’s running backs coach and special teams coordinator in 2022 and 2023. 

Ford’s new role at Idaho will be his first Division I head coaching job. He had previously been the head coach at DII Simon Frasier University in 2018 and 2019. 

Running backs coach is currently the only coaching position on Oregon State’s staff that will need filled.