BOCA RATON, Fla. – Lance Thompson has been named Florida Atlantic University’s linebackers’ coach, FAU head football coach Willie Taggart announced Wednesday.
“Lance will bring that ‘Championship Mentality’ to Paradise, that we must get back to in 2021,” said Taggart. “He will be a great addition to a very impressive staff that’s built on loyalty, character, work ethic and understands that our number one priority is our student-athletes. Welcome back to Paradise!”
Thompson’s appointment marks his return to the staff after the veteran coach and proven winner served as the Owls’ defensive line coach during the 2019 C-USA Championship season. Thompson began working with FAU’s line in January of 2019, shaping the experienced unit into a force among Conference USA opponents. His unit combined for 43 tackles for loss, 22 sacks and 28 quarterback hurries. The Owls’ defensive front also anchored a rushing defense that improved 50 spots nationally from 2018 to 2019, ranking 39th and giving up 52.3 fewer yards per game year-over-year. The team’s overall scoring defense was 59 spots better, ranking 33rd, and the squad finished 19th in FBS in red zone defense as well.
In 2021, Thompson will devote his attention to the inside linebackers, a unit led in 2020 by Chase Lasater, who recorded a team-leading 72 tackles, and Caliph Brice, who was third on the squad with 54 total stops. Thompson will be welcomed by a seasoned linebacker corps ready to study under the direction of both he and newly named defensive coordinator Mike Stoops.
For Thompson’s complete bio, click HERE. For more on FAU football, visit FAUsports.com or follow @FAUfootball on Twitter.
