Dennis Thomas is in his first season as Gardner-Webb’s defensive line coach, joining the program in July. He spent the previous season coaching the same position at Division II Tusculum (Tenn.) and spent three seasons prior at Division I FCS Western Carolina (2013-2015).
Thomas helped develop sophomore lineman Brandon Williams into an All-South Atlantic Conference performer in 2016. Williams led the SAC with 22.0 tackles for loss, which ranked among the NCAA Division II leaders as well. Williams finished with 78 tackles and four sacks, breaking the Tusculum school-record for tackles for loss in a season.
Thomas moved to Greeneville, Tenn., after serving three seasons on the coaching staff at Western Carolina, joining the Catamounts prior to 2013 spring drills. Thomas coached WCU’s defensive line with a concentration on the defensive tackles. He also served as WCU’s pro scout liaison.
In 2014, he helped rookie standout Derrick Davis to Southern Conference All-Freshman honors and in 2015, tackle Helva Mantungulu was invited to play in the National Football League Players Association Collegiate Bowl. Prior to his coaching stint at Western Carolina, Thomas spent four seasons on the University of South Carolina staff under head coach Steve Spurrier, while pursuing a Master’s of science degree in rehabilitation counseling.
Thomas worked with the Gamecock defense, along with assistant defensive line coach Brad Lawing, on the development of the defensive front under defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward. He additionally aided in the recruitment of players in South Carolina while assisting in opponent scouting. USC made four consecutive bowl game appearances while Thomas was working with the program. While at South Carolina, Thomas assisted with the development of current NFL players Jadeveon Clowney (Houston Texans), Melvin Ingram (San Diego Chargers), Cliff Matthews (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Travian Robertson (Washington Redskins), Clifton Geathers (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Devin Taylor (Detroit Lions).
Prior to returning to his alma mater, Thomas spent five years coaching at Greenwood (S.C.) High School working with the defensive line on the gridiron as well as with the wrestling and track & field teams. He was a part of football region championships at GHS from 2004-2008. Under his guidance, the Eagles boasted the state of South Carolina’s top-ranked defense in 2006, while finishing runner-up defensively in 2007 and 2008.
Thomas was a three-year letterman at South Carolina from 1997-2001, playing both offensive and defensive lines under Lou Holtz. He was a part of the Gamecocks’ 2001 Outback Bowl championship team, defeating Ohio State University, 24-7. A 2001 graduate from South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and a minor in physical education, Thomas began his coaching career at Calhoun Falls (S.C.) High School. He served not only as the defensive line coach, helping CFHS to the regional championship in 2002, but also the strength & conditioning coach and an assistant with the track & field program. Thomas and his wife, Kyla, were married on June 14, 2015.
