University of Puget Sound

Jeff Thomas has established a culture of excellence at Puget Sound that prioritizes both competitive success and academic achievement. Since taking the helm in 2010, Thomas has built a program that consistently develops student-athletes who lead the Northwest Conference on the field and in the classroom.

A hallmark of Thomas’ tenure has been his ability to recruit and develop top-tier student-athletes with a commitment to holistic success. That vision was embodied by Max Mirande '15, who earned an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, one of the association’s highest academic honors, after a distinguished career as a four year starter at Linebacker. The Loggers continue to attract individuals who are prepared to excel in both rigorous academic settings and high-level athletic competition.

Under Thomas’ leadership, the Loggers have set multiple school and conference records while routinely producing Academic All-District honorees and All-NWC selections. In 2023, Puget Sound made national headlines as Lilly Godwin became the first female to record a solo tackle in NCAA history. That same season, wide receiver Izaiah Jerenz broke the school's all-time receiving record and led all of NCAA Division III in receptions. His legacy was short-lived, however, as Joe Gallagher surpassed Jerenz's marks in 2024 and led the nation in receptions per game. Quarterback Mason Binning '25 also finished second in the country in total completions, further showcasing Puget Sound’s offensive identity.

The 2022 season featured one of the most balanced offensive attacks in program history. Running back Silas Washington repeated as the NWC’s rushing leader, while Jerenz and Gallagher each recorded over 60 receptions—both ranking in the top three in the conference. The trio was among seven Loggers to earn All-NWC honors that year.

Thomas’ offenses have been a consistent threat since his arrival. The 2018 team shattered program records for passing touchdowns (40), pass completions (321), passing yards per game (381.1), and total points (350). That same year, wide receiver AJ Johnson set the school’s single-season receiving yards record (1,096) and earned All-West Region recognition from D3football.com, along with teammate Jewell Day. Day also earned Academic All-District honors from CoSIDA, reinforcing the dual commitment to athletic and academic excellence.

Earlier in his tenure, Thomas guided the Loggers to a 6-3 record in 2015, tied for the most conference wins in program history. He also led the team to its first home victory over Pacific Lutheran since 1978. His quarterbacks have consistently rewritten the record book, with Hans Fortune (2016) setting single-season marks for passing yards and total offense (since bested by Murdock Rutledge '22).

Thomas began his coaching career at the University of Redlands, where he served in various roles from 2003–2009, including special teams coordinator, offensive coordinator, and position coach on both sides of the ball. He was named the American Football Coaches Association's Assistant Coach of the Year in 2009.

As a player, Thomas was a four-year letter-winner and senior captain at Redlands, beginning his career as a quarterback before becoming one of the most decorated defensive backs in school history. He helped lead the Bulldogs to the NCAA playoffs in 2002 and was selected to represent the United States in the Aztec Bowl that same year.

Thomas holds a bachelor's degree in Government and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Redlands. He was recognized as a CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree as a senior, exemplifying the student-athlete model he now fosters at Puget Sound.

Overall Coaching Record at Puget Sound
(13 Seasons)