Sac State’s Football program is in search of a new head coach to replace Andy Thompson who resigned on Dec. 6 to join the Stanford University football coaching staff. Photo by Sacramento State Athletics

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On Friday, Dec. 6, Sacramento State University announced that Hornet Football head coach Andy Thompson had resigned to pursue other career opportunities. Thompson’s departure after two years at the helm of the Hornet Football program comes at the conclusion of a 2024 campaign that saw the Hornets finish with a 3-9 overall record and 1-7 in Big Sky Conference play. Sac State dropped the final five games of the 2024 season including the annual causeway classic matchup with UC Davis which was played on Nov. 23 at Hornet stadium.

The official news release from the university includes a gracious statement from Athletic Director Mark Orr regarding Thompson’s tenure with the Hornets. "We want to thank Coach Thompson and his family for all they have done for Sacramento State football over the last five seasons," Orr said. "Under his watch, the program has achieved its highest level of success. We wish him the best of luck in the future."

In his two years as head coach Thompson posted an overall record of 11 wins and 14 losses. In his first year as head coach in 2023, the Hornets enjoyed an 8-5 record and made it to the second round the 2023 FCS Playoffs. Unfortunately, that success was not seen again in the disappointing 2024 season.

Thompson had been on the Hornet coaching staff since the 2019 season. As defensive coordinator, Thompson was instrumental in the Hornet football program earning Big Sky Conference titles in 2019, 2021 and 2022. Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, Thompson was promoted to the Hornet head coach position which had been vacated by Troy Taylor who left Sacramento State to take the head football coaching position at Stanford University.

On the heels of the official announcement from Sacramento State Athletics regarding Thompson departure on Dec. 6, Stanford University officially announced that coach Thompson would be joining the Stanford Football coaching staff as Stanford Football’s assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator. Reuniting Thompson with his former boss and former Hornet head coach Troy Taylor.

The Hornet Football program owes a debt of gratitude to Coach Thompson as his involvement with the program led to success and accolades not previously enjoyed by the Hornets. Best wishes to Coach Thomspon in his new position, as long as Stanford football’s interests do not conflict with Hornet football’s interests.

Sacramento State officials announced that a national search will begin immediately to find the next head coach for the Hornets.