Bio entering 2021 season
At San Diego State
- Former San Diego State defensive lineman Jordan Thomas enters his second season as the Aztecs’ defensive line coach after two-year stint as a graduate assistant with the program.
- In his first season as a full-time assistant in 2020, Thomas molded a stingy unit that helped the Scarlet and Black rank among the national leaders in total defense (3rd, 283.5) and rushing defense (7th, 98.2), both of which were tops in the Mountain West. In addition, SDSU found themselves among the FBS elite in team tackles for a loss (8th, 8.1) and scoring defense (11th, 17.8), ranking second in the conference in both categories.
- Individually, Coach Thomas played a key role in helping three of his student-athletes earn all-MW honors last season, including first-team selection Cameron Thomas, while Keshawn Banks and Jonah Tavai received honorable mention.
- Under Coach Thomas’ tutelage, Cameron Thomas became just the second Aztec defensive lineman in program history to earn first-team all-MW honors multiple times after recording 35 tackles (21 solo), 9.5 tackles for loss, which was tied for fifth in the league, along with four sacks, one pass breakup and 14 quarterback hurries.
- Banks earned all-league honors for the second straight season after posting 14 tackles (9 solo), five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and six quarterback hurries.
- Meanwhile, Tavai thrived under Thomas’ coaching, receiving all-MW distinction for the first time his career after enjoying a breakout season with 27 tackles (17 solo), six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and five QB hurries.
- Thomas gained valuable experience as a graduate assistant for two seasons on the SDSU coaching staff, assisting with the linebackers in 2018 before shifting responsibilities to the defensive line in time for the 2019 campaign.
- Working alongside Brady Hoke, who was the Aztecs’ defensive line coach in 2019, Thomas helped an SDSU defense rank second in FBS play in both scoring (12.7) and rushing (75.4), fifth in total (287.8) and sixth in pass efficiency (110.3).
- Individually, Thomas assisted in the development of three all-Mountain West honorees. Myles Cheatum and Cameron Thomas gave the Aztecs two first-team all-conference defensive linemen for the first time since 1974, while Keshawn Banks was a second-team selection.
- In 2018, Thomas assisted with the SDSU linebackers on a team that ranked seventh nationally in rushing defense (103.8), 21st in total defense (334.6) and 32nd in scoring defense (22.2).
Previous Coaching Experience
- Before returning to The Mesa, Thomas briefly joined the coaching staff at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, following the 2019 campaign.
- After his collegiate playing career, Thomas spent one season as an assistant coach at nearby Mission Hills High School in 2016, tutoring the tight ends and defensive linemen.
- Thomas then moved to Texas A&M-Kingsville as a graduate assistant, were he aided the linebackers in 2017.
Playing Experience
- Was a four-year letterwinner at SDSU, playing in all 52 games after arriving as a true freshman in 2010.
- Started all 26 games in his final two seasons on The Mesa.
- One of the first three Aztecs to play in four consecutive bowl games (Bryce Quigley, Rene Siluano) without utilizing a redshirt season.
- Recorded 61 tackles (39 solos) during his career, including 14 tackles for loss.
- Named SDSU’s Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2013 after setting a career high with 21 tackles during his senior campaign.
- Earned four varsity letters at Redlands High School, where he was an all-CIF pick and all-county selection as a senior.
- Twice received all-conference honors and was a three-star recruit, according to Rivals.com.
- Was named Redlands High’s most valuable defensive lineman on three occasions.
- Also competed in baseball and track and field as a prep.
Education
- Graduated from San Diego State in 2014 with a degree in criminal justice.