James Ward enters his second season as the defensive coordinator for Idaho State. Ward also enters his third season as secondary coach for the Bengals, which ranked 1st in the Big Sky in pass defense in 1999. Ward came to Idaho State after spending the two years at Washington State University.

Last year, Idaho State improved in almost every statistical category. The team improved from 2000 in points allowed (from 7th in 2000 to 5th), yards allowed (8th to 4th), rushing defense (9th to 5th), passing defense (4th to 2nd), first downs allowed (8th to 1st), opponent third-down conversions (8th to 4th), and opponent fourth-down conversions (7th to 1st).

After having just five interceptions in 1998, Ward's secondary has helped the Bengals total 11 picks in 1999 and 16 in 2000. The Bengals have 36 picks over the last three years. The Bengals have also returned six of those interceptions for touchdowns during his three years seasons. Last year all of the Bengals starting four in the secondary earned Honorable Mention All-Big Sky honors.

At Washington State, Ward coached safeties for two seasons, and he also spent time as the placekicker, punter, and long snapper coach as well.

Ward was with Washington State in 1997, when the Cougars went 10-1 during the regular season, earning a trip to the Rose Bowl. In his two years at Washington State, Ward coached a pair of First Team All-Pac-10 defensive backs.

In 1997, the Cougars ranked first in the Pac-10 in passing defense and passing efficiency, and they were ranked in the top ten nationally in pass defense as well. They also were second in the Pac-10 in total defense.

Prior to his arrival at Washington State, Ward coached for two seasons at his alma mater, the University of Puget Sound. While at Puget Sound, his squad ranked at the top of the Northwest Conference of Independent Colleges in pass defense for both 1995 and 1996, and he coached four players to All-NCIC honors.

Ward himself was an all-conference defensive back at Puget Sound, starting all four years at the school. He served as team captain his senior season.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Puget Sound in Business in 1995. He is working on his master's in Athletic Administration.

James and his wife Marissa live in Pocatello.