Jordan Thomas Named Illinois Defensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Jordan Thomas was named Illinois' defensive line coach/run game coordinator, head coach Bret Bielema announced. Thomas joins the Illini with 10 years of coaching experience ranging from college football to the NFL, including stops at Boston College, the Cleveland Browns, and San Diego State.

"Coach Thomas is a great fit for our Illini FamILLy with an immediate understanding of our defensive system," said Bielema. "He is a talented leader with experiences in our defense as both a player and coach, plus three years of developing defensive linemen in the NFL. We are excited to welcome Coach Thomas to our staff."

"I am extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to work with Coach Bielema and this awesome staff," said Thomas. "It is an honor to represent the Fighting Illini and work in a proud program with a decorated football history. I am eager to get to work as a part of the Illinois FamILLy!"

Thomas spent the 2025 season as the defensive line coach at Boston College, following three seasons as the assistant defensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns from 2022-24. At Boston College, he helped the defensive line group generate 23 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.

During his time with the Cleveland Browns, Thomas worked directly with 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who had All-Pro seasons in 2023 and 2024, and current New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who served as a coaching and personnel consultant in Cleveland. 

Thomas helped the 2023 Browns lead the NFL in total defense (270.2 yards per game), passing defense (164.7), third down defense (29.1%), and fewest first downs allowed (253). Cleveland won 11 games and advanced to the NFL playoffs for the second time in 21 years.

Thomas previously coached in college football at his alma mater San Diego State from 2018-21, helping the Aztecs rank among the best defenses in college football. He joined the SDSU staff as a graduate assistant in 2018 and 2019 under head coach Rocky Long and was promoted to defensive line coach for the 2020 and 2021 seasons before moving on to the NFL. 

In Thomas' time on staff at San Diego State, he helped the Aztecs rank in the nation's top 20 in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense, and passing efficiency defense during three straight seasons from 2019-21. He helped San Diego State to two 10+-win seasons and bowl victories in the 2021 Frisco Bowl and 2019 New Mexico Bowl.

San Diego State's 2021 defense was dominant, ranking 12th in the nation in total defense (324.4), 17th in scoring defense (19.8), third in rushing defense (19.8), and 13th in passing efficiency defense (118.01) on its way to a program record 12 wins. The Aztecs won the 2021 Frisco Bowl and finished the season ranked #25 in the AP poll.

Thomas helped San Diego State finish 11th in the nation in scoring defense (17.8) during his first season as defensive line coach in 2020. The Aztecs were also among the FBS leaders in total defense (3rd, 283.5), rushing defense (7th, 98.2), and passing efficiency defense (11th, 115.59).

During his graduate assistant stint, Thomas initially worked with the linebackers in 2018 before shifting to his former position as a player with the defensive linemen. In 2019, he worked with defensive line coach Brady Hoke and a San Diego State defense that ranked second in the country in scoring defense (12.7), second in rushing defense (75.4), and fifth in total defense (287.8). 

Thomas' defensive line group was also a key factor in San Diego State ranking eighth in the nation in tackles for loss in 2021 (8.1 per game) and 22nd in the nation in sacks in 2020 (2.93 per game). He helped three defensive linemen earn All-Mountain West during his time as a coach at San Diego State, including overseeing the development of two-time All-Mountain West First Team selection Cameron Thomas, who was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.

As a player, Thomas was a three-year starter and four-year letterwinner at San Diego State from 2010-13, playing in all 52 games after arriving as a true freshman in 2010. He totaled 61 tackles (39 solos) during his career, including 14.0 tackles for loss, and was named San Diego State's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2013 after setting a career high with 21 tackles during his senior campaign. Thomas was one of the first three players in San Diego State history to play in four consecutive bowl games without utilizing a redshirt season.

Following his collegiate playing career, Thomas spent one season as an assistant coach at Mission Hills High School (Calif.) in 2016. He then moved to Texas A&M-Kingsville as a graduate assistant, where he worked with linebackers in 2017, before heading back to his alma mater. 

Thomas attended Redlands High School in Redlands, California. He graduated from San Diego State University in 2014 with a degree in criminal justice.

Thomas' contract is pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. 

Coaching Career