Jason Thier

Jason Thier

Jason Thier shifts to the Division I level after a two-year stint at Montana Western. He spent the 2011-12 season as the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator and also coached the secondary.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to join the tradition that is UND football,” Thier said. “As a young coach, I’m looking forward to learning from the current coaching staff as I continue to develop my career. I’m fortunate to have this opportunity and there is no place I’d rather be as this program strives for success at the Division I level.”

Prior to his time at the NAIA school, Thier was a defensive graduate assistant at Augustana College from 2009-2010. He coached the linebackers and also served as the Vikings’ video coordinator. In 2010, the Vikings advanced to the quarterfinals of the Division II NCAA Playoffs and all three of his linebackers were All-NSIC performers. Chris Janish was also an all-region performer at linebacker.

Thier (rhymes with fear) played collegiately at Truman State (2005-08), which included one season under current UND defensive coordinator Josh Kotelnicki. He was a three-year starter at linebacker for the Bulldogs and racked up a team-high 99 tackles as a senior in 2008 when he was named All-MIAA second team. Thier earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from TSU (2009) and a master’s degree in education from Augustana (2011).