Thomas to be Added to Staff

A Purdue source told Molly Yanity of the Seattle P-I Monday that former Idaho Offensive Coordinator and current Boilermaker RB Coach Joel Thomas would be Washington's new running backs coach.

Former Idaho coaches has been a focus for Holt and UW Head Coach Steve Sarkisian. Holt, who was the Vandals' head man in 2004 and 2005, not only had Thomas on his staff, but also new assistant coach Jeff Mills and Defensive Line Coach Johnny Nansen.

While at Purdue, Thomas helped Kory Sheets and Jaycen Taylor run for well over 1000 yards each in two seasons, playing for a predominantly pass-oriented offense.

Born in Port Angeles, Thomas played his college football at Idaho, earning Big West Conference Player of the Year honors his senior season. From 1995 to 1998, he amassed 3929 yards and 51 touchdowns on 765 carries - all school records.

Dawgman.com also found out Monday that Mike Cox, linebackers coach for St. Louis, is likely headed to Montlake in that same capacity. Cox is another coach with ties to Idaho, where he worked from 1987-1994 under John L. Smith. Cox followed Smith to Louisville and then to Michigan State, where he spent four years as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator before moving to St. Louis.