Pocatello, Idaho – Idaho State University (ISU) Football and Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros have announced the hiring of Grant Duff as the Bengals' new Defensive Coordinator. Duff joins ISU after a successful tenure at Weber State University, where he was a key contributor to one of the top defensive units in the Big Sky Conference.
"Grant is a proven leader and defensive mind with a track record of success at the highest levels of FCS football," said Thiros. "His experience, passion for the game, Idaho roots, and most importantly his values - align perfectly with our vision for Idaho State Football. Coach Duff will have an immediate impact on our student athletes, recruiting, and our program as a whole."
The 2024 season was Duff's 11th at Weber State. In his 11 seasons, Duff helped lead Weber State to nine straight winning seasons, four Big Sky titles, and six trips to the FCS Playoffs, including the semifinals in 2019. Weber State has been nationally ranked every season since 2016, including being ranked as high as second in the nation, the highest ranking in school history. During his time at Weber State, Duff spent time coaching special teams, before becoming Defensive Line Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator. He played an instrumental role in developing elite defenses that consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Known for his strategic acumen, player development skills, recruiting ability throughout Idaho and Utah, and his ability to inspire his units to perform at the highest level, he has been a driving force behind multiple conference championships and playoff appearances.
Coach Grant Duff commented on the opportunity, "I am both honored and excited to join Coach Cody Hawkins and the Idaho State family. Coach Hawkins is one of the best in the business and I am humbled to be able to work with him and his staff. I look forward to jumping in immediately and working tirelessly to make the students, alumni, and community proud of Idaho State Football. The opportunity for myself and my family to return home to Eastern Idaho has us excited beyond words."
Duff's hiring signals Idaho State's continued commitment to the revitalization of ISU football, and its aggressive movement toward competing for postseason play and championships in the competitive Big Sky Conference.
"Grant Duff was the first call I made when I was hired here at Idaho State. While I wasn't able to convince him then, now the time is right for he and his wife, Lyndi, to come home! He is one of the best people in the business and has a proven track record of winning championships as a defensive play-caller in our conference," said Head Coach Cody Hawkins.
Hawkins went on to say, "Bringing Coach Duff back to the great state of Idaho is a no brainer for me and our program here at Idaho State. He will be a home-run in our locker room, on the field, and on the recruiting trail. I firmly believe his belief in us signifies a broader respect for the work that Pauline Thiros has done within our Athletic Department and the Big Sky is taking notice. I'm so excited that we will be able to compete alongside each other, and not against each other, going forward. Please Welcome Grant and his wonderful family to Idaho State!"
Prior to joining the staff at Weber State, Duff spent five years with the football program at the University of Utah where he worked closely with coach Jay Hill. Duff joined the Ute program in 2008 and spent three seasons as an administrative assistant for the defense and special teams. He spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons as an on-field graduate assistant coach where he worked with the linebackers and coached the offensive scout teams. During his time at Utah, he worked behind the scenes for four Ute bowl teams, including the 2009 Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama. He was also involved in the 2009 Poinsettia Bowl, the 2010 Las Vegas Bowl and the 2011 Sun Bowl.
Duff is a native of Blackfoot, Idaho, and graduated from BYU-Idaho in 2009 with a degree in agriculture. He earned his Master's degree in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Utah in 2013.
He and his wife Lyndi have four children: Abby, Colette, Magnus and Margaret.
Idaho State ended the season 5-7 (3-5 BSC), a marked improvement on previous years. The Bengals will return from Thanksgiving break and will immediately be back in the weight room starting winter workouts. December 4th is the first signing day of the year, and will welcome the first wave of new Bengals to the team.
