Texas State Defense Takes Another Big Hit With the Loss of Thompson

by Jason Harris
Sports Reporter

After an inexplicable, almost inexcusable, slow start to the season for the Texas State defense, it was clear that a change was need. That change came when defensive coordinator John Thompson stepped down on Sunday.

Thompson, who had been with the Bobcats since last season, had come to Texas State from conference rival Arkansas State. But his storied career as a defensive coordinator had taken him all over the NCAA landscape with stops at Florida, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Southern Miss and many others. He also spent two years as head coach of East Carolina and was responsible for developing over 40 players that ended up in the NFL, including Texas State’s own David Mayo and Craig Mager.

“It was not my choice or under my direction,” said Head Coach Dennis Franchione. “We appreciate what he has done and given to this program. We will close ranks, march on and make the appropriate decisions for us to get better.”

That decision came on Tuesday as Dennis Franchione named linebackers coach and special teams coordinator, Brad Franchione, interim defensive coordinator.

Brad Franchione joined Texas State after spending six seasons at Blinn College where he led the Buccaneers to two national championships as well as an undefeated record in 2006. It now falls on him to fix a Bobcat defense statistically ranked dead last in the NCAA.

“You have to be careful about how much you change,” said Franchione. “Our focus is going to be no excuses, have more energy at practice and on game day. Have great eyes and great fundamentals because if you have those two things then I believe you have a chance to be successful.”

It remains to be seen just what, if any, changes will be made to a defense so desperately in need of a turnaround. The Bobcats have time though as they can take full advantage of a bye this week before heading into conference play against Louisiana-Lafayette next weekend.

You can catch that game and every Bobcat game right here on KTSW.