Jason Thier is entering his eighth season as defensive coordinator at Dickinson State University, having joined the Blue Hawk football staff in March 2018. A key architect of one of the NAIA’s most consistent defensive units, Thier has helped lead DSU to seven consecutive North Star Athletic Association championships (2018–2024) and multiple NAIA playoff appearances. He was named the NSAA Assistant Coach of the Year following the 2021 season.
Now entering his 17th season at the collegiate level, Thier’s defenses at Dickinson State have consistently ranked among the top in the NAIA in several key categories, including scoring defense, third-down defense, takeaways, and total yards allowed. Under his direction, DSU led the NAIA in takeaways per game in both 2018 and 2022, ranked third in rush defense in 2023, and fourth in 2024.
During his time at DSU, Thier has coached two NAIA All-Americans, five conference defensive players of the year, and 20 All-Conference selections.
Before joining the Blue Hawks, Thier served as associate head coach and defensive coordinator at the University of Mary, where he coached one All-American, a preseason conference defensive player of the year, four all-conference selections, and future NFL linebacker Patrick O’Connell.
In 2013, Thier worked at the NCAA Division I level as the inside linebackers coach at the University of North Dakota, coaching future NFL player Will Ratelle and one All-Conference honoree.
From 2011–2012, he served as defensive coordinator at the University of Montana Western. There, he implemented a defensive scheme that helped the Bulldogs achieve the second-best pass defense in the conference and significantly improved the program’s takeaway numbers and win total during his tenure.
Thier began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at Augustana University, where he was part of the 2010 team that won its first playoff game in school history and captured a conference title. That team finished the year ranked sixth in the NCAA Division II Coaches Poll with an 11–2 record. In two seasons, Thier helped coach one All-Region and three All-Conference players as part of a 19–5 run.
As a player, Thier was a standout linebacker at Truman State University, where he earned All-Conference honors, served as team captain, and was named team MVP his senior season. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in education in 2009, followed by a master’s degree in education from Augustana College in 2011. In 2021, he completed a second master’s degree in sports administration and leadership from Dickinson State University.
Thier lives in Dickinson with his wife, Brittany, and their three children: Jackson, Zoey, and Charlotte.
