Tim Schaffner was named the defensive coordinator in December of 2021. Schaffner comes to Idaho State after spending the last 17 years at Butler Community College. He had been the head coach for the last seven years and prior to that he was the defensive coordinator. 

Prior to the start of the 2021 season, Butler was 145-36 during his time as a head coach and defensive coordinator. Butler won NJCAA national championships in the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He coached 20 All-Americans, won nine conference championships and seven Region VI titles.

Shaffner was a four-year starter in football and baseball as well as an All-American Defensive Back at Westmar College.