Bryant Thomas begins his first full season as Portland State’s Defensive Coordinator. Thomas took on the role in game five of the 2024 season and immediately made an imprint with his approach.
This will be Bryant’s third season overall with the Vikings. He began as Wide Receivers Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Portland State in 2023.
Thomas came to PSU after a long stint as a head coach at two Washington high schools.
“Knowledge-wise and experience-wise, BT really impacts our program,” said Vikings Coach Bruce Barnum.
“I have known him for many years and coached with him before. He is energetic, very knowledgeable and a players’ coach. BT is also a great recruiter and I have tried to hire him back multiple times. Luckily, he is at a time in his life where he is all in on college coaching football.”
In 2023, Thomas directed Jermaine Braddock to the best season of his collegiate career and honorable mention All-Big Sky Conference. Thomas also led the Vikings’ recruiting efforts as they signed a 28-member national letter of intent class in 2024 that ranks among the best in the nation at the FCS level.
In 2024, linebacker Peyton Wing earned second team All-Big Sky honors and defensive back Tyreese Shakir was honorable mention All-Big Sky.
BACKGROUND
Thomas spent a decade as a high school head coach, first at Auburn-Riverside (WA), then at Kamiak (WA) from 2013-22. He also spent five seasons as an offensive coordinator at Federal Way (WA) High School.
Thomas began his coaching career at Idaho State University, working as a receivers coach. He coached with the Bengals during the same time that Bruce Barnum was offensive coordinator (1998-2006) for ISU.
A 1998 graduate of Washington State University, Thomas played both wide receiver and defensive back for the Cougars.
THE BRYANT THOMAS FILE
3rd year at Portland State
Hometown: Carson, CA
Alma Mater: Washington State, 1998
Playing Experience: Washington State, 1994-98, wide receiver, defensive back
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2023-25 Portland State, Defensive Coordinator (2024-25)/ Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator (2023-24)
2018-22 Kamiak (WA) HS, Head Coach
2013-17 Auburn-Riverside (WA) HS, Head Coach
2007-12 Federal Way (WA) HS, Offensive Coordinator
1998-2006 Idaho State, Wide Receivers
