Andrew Thompson: From Player to Stanford Inside Linebackers Coach
Andrew Thompson is a seasoned American football strategist who currently serves as the inside linebackers coach for the Stanford Cardinal. With a career spanning over two decades as both a player and a coach, Thompson has built a reputation for defensive expertise across various levels of collegiate football, eventually joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) ranks.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Inside Linebackers Coach at Stanford University.
- Previous Head Coaching Role: Sacramento State (2023–2024).
- Playing Experience: Former multi-position player at Montana (1999–2003).
- Coaching Specialization: Extensive experience as a Defensive Coordinator (DC).
- Birth Date: April 30, 1980.
Early Life and Playing Career
Born on April 30, 1980, in Walla Walla, Washington, Andrew Thompson's journey in football began long before he stepped onto the sidelines. From 1999 to 2003, he played for Montana, where he demonstrated remarkable versatility. During his collegiate playing days, he occupied three distinct roles: linebacker, quarterback, and safety.
The Ascent Through Coaching
Thompson began his coaching career in 2004 at Eastern Oregon, focusing on linebackers (LB) and special teams (ST). He then moved to Northern Arizona, where he spent over a decade refining his craft. He initially coached running backs (RB) from 2005 to 2006, transitioned to linebackers from 2007 to 2008, and eventually served as the Defensive Coordinator—the coach responsible for the team's overall defensive strategy—from 2009 to 2018.
In 2019, Thompson joined Sacramento State as the Defensive Coordinator. He served in this capacity for four seasons under Troy Taylor. Following Taylor's departure for Stanford University, Thompson was promoted to head coach in December 2022.
Head Coaching Tenure at Sacramento State
From 2023 to 2024, Thompson led the Sacramento State Hornets as head coach. During his tenure, he achieved an overall record of 11–14 and guided the team to a 1–1 record in the NCAA Division I playoffs.
Transition to Stanford University
Thompson's career came full circle when he joined the Stanford Cardinal program. In 2025, he initially served as the Associate Head Coach (AHC), co-Defensive Coordinator, and inside linebackers coach. Starting in 2026, he transitioned into his current focused role as the inside linebackers coach.
| Period | Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1999–2003 | Montana | Player (LB, QB, Safety) |
| 2004 | Eastern Oregon | LB/ST Coach |
| 2005–2018 | Northern Arizona | RB, LB, and Defensive Coordinator |
| 2019–2022 | Sacramento State | Defensive Coordinator |
| 2023–2024 | Sacramento State | Head Coach |
| 2025–Present | Stanford | AHC/co-DC/Inside Linebackers Coach |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Andrew Thompson's current role at Stanford?
Andrew Thompson is currently the inside linebackers coach for the Stanford Cardinal football program.
Where did Andrew Thompson play college football?
He played for Montana from 1999 to 2003, playing as a linebacker, quarterback, and safety.
What was Thompson's record as a head coach at Sacramento State?
As the head coach of the Sacramento State Hornets from 2023 to 2024, he held an overall record of 11–14 and a 1–1 record in the NCAA D-I playoffs.
How long did Andrew Thompson coach at Northern Arizona?
Thompson coached at Northern Arizona for 14 seasons, from 2005 to 2018, serving as a running backs coach, linebackers coach, and eventually the Defensive Coordinator.
When was Andrew Thompson born?
Andrew Thompson was born on April 30, 1980, in Walla Walla, Washington.