HOME OF BULLDOG FOOTBALL - 28 SCIAC Championships, including 10 since 1990

It was announced earlier today that Jeff Thomas has resigned from his post with the University of Redlands football team to take on the role of head coach at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA.

“Coach Thomas is so very deserving of this head coaching opportunity. He has demonstrated himself to be a winner in the game of football and in life,” commented Head Coach Mike Maynard. “He leaves with my greatest appreciation for all that he has given to Bulldog football, both as a decorated student-athlete and as a pillar of our coaching staff.”

A four-year letter-winner at Redlands, Thomas was named the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s (SCIAC) Defensive Player of the Year in 2002 while gaining College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District honors. He set the school record for most interceptions in a season with 13. His play earned him a spot on the U.S. team in the 2002 Aztec Bowl, an annual game pitting Division III football all-stars from the United States against their Mexican counterparts.

Thomas began his coaching career at Redlands in 2003, working primarily with the defensive backs and special teams. He later stepped in as the offensive coordinator after the 2006 season. Under his direction, the Bulldogs broke the school record for total offense in a single game with 677 yards on Nov. 3, 2007.

Thomas was tabbed the 2009 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III Assistant Coach of the Year.

Most recently, Thomas became the Bulldogs’ Defensive Coordinator following the 2009 season.

Beyond his coaching responsibilities, Thomas was a valuable asset to the University of Redlands by sharing his knowledge of computers, technology, and audio visual equipment. He also taught a variety of courses within the Physical Education department, and for the past three years, had served as co- liaison to the Office of Admissions.

“We celebrate this hard-earned and well-deserved opportunity as another Bulldog coach moves on while taking the values, beliefs and work ethic of Bulldog Athletics to share with others,” Director of Athletics Jeff Martinez said. “I am confident that Jeff’s drive, enthusiasm, and passion for young people will ensure his success as a Division III educator and head coach.”

A national search to fill the void left by Thomas will begin immediately.