Idaho names Thomas Ford new head coach

Field Level Media|published: Wed 18th December, 16:03 2024

NCAA Football: Idaho at Washington State

Sep 3, 2022; Pullman, Washington, USA; Idaho Vandals helmet sits against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

Idaho named former assistant Thomas Ford its new head coach on Wednesday, days after the post came open.

Ford replaces Jason Eck, who left to become the new head coach at New Mexico on Saturday. Ford was on Eck's staff in 2022 and 2023 before leaving to coach at Oregon State this past season.

"It was clear during our interview process that Thomas is the man to lead Vandal football into the future. He knows what it takes to win at Idaho. He is an elite recruiter who was instrumental in laying the foundation of our recent success. We are confident in the future of Vandal football as we look forward to working with coach Ford and his staff," Idaho Director of Athletics Terry Gawlik said in a statement.

Eck went 26-13 in three seasons at Idaho. This is Ford's first head coaching job in the Football Championship Subdivision. He coached Division II Simon Fraser in 2018-19.

--Field Level Media