OWINGS MILLS, MD – Head football coach Josh Hoeg announced the hiring of Jyair Thomas as the newest member of the Stevenson University football coaching staff. Thomas will serve as the program's Defensive Backs coach and officially begin his role at the beginning of August.
"We are extremely excited to have Jyair joining the program as our defensive backs coach," said Hoeg. "Jyair has proven that he has a strong background and understanding of player development."
Thomas arrives in Owings Mills after spending the 2026 season as the safeties and nickels coach at Kutztown University. During his time with the Golden Bears, he oversaw the development of the position group while assisting with defensive game planning, recruiting, film breakdown, scouting reports, and practice preparation.
Prior to Kutztown, Thomas spent one season at Thiel College as the corners and nickels coach. Along with overseeing the defensive backs, he served as the program's social media coordinator, strength and conditioning assistant, and video coordinator while contributing to recruiting, defensive game planning, film analysis, and player development.
Before entering the collegiate coaching ranks, Thomas served as a Performance Fellow with the Baltimore Ravens. In that role, he worked alongside the organization's strength and conditioning staff and coaching personnel by analyzing offensive and defensive tendencies, charting formations and plays, evaluating opponent strategies, and assisting with game preparation.
"He also has a deep knowledge of the game of football and does a good job of building relationships with his players. He is going to be a great addition to the culture of our football program," Hoeg said.
A former defensive back, Thomas began his collegiate playing career at Monmouth University, where he appeared in 33 games on defense and special teams before transferring to Lock Haven University for his graduate season. He started 10 games for the Bald Eagles while playing safety and nickel.
Thomas earned his bachelor's degree from Monmouth University in 2023 before completing his master's degree at Lock Haven University in 2024.
"I am extremely excited and honored to join this staff," said Thomas. "Coach Hoeg has a clear vision and a plan in place that I believe will put this program in a position to be successful and build the winning culture this team deserves. I'm also excited to work alongside Coach Pietrzyk. He has an outstanding defensive mind and an impressive track record, and I look forward to learning from him, growing as a coach, and helping our defense reach its full potential."
