Thomas spent first two seasons in 1997 and 1998 as Tampa Bay’s offensive assistant coach. His tight end group has become known for its physical run-blocking and proficiency in the red zone.

Under Thomas’ guidance, TE Dave Moore continued to be a solid pass-catching target, hauling in a career-high 29 receptions for 288 yards with three touchdowns a year ago.

During his first two seasons with the team, Thomas was responsible for game film analysis of upcoming opponents and the production of various offensive scouting reports.

Thomas, who coached for nine years on the high school and collegiate levels, came to the Buccaneers in 1997 after a short stint on the coaching staff of Gardner Webb University. He was named Gardner Webb’s defensive backs coach on January 20, 1997 after spending one season as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Kentucky.

Prior to joining Kentucky’s staff, Thomas spent five years (1992-96) on the faculty at the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn., teaching human development and coaching the football, wrestling and track and field teams. During this time, he also completed his master’s degree in secondary education at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Thomas arrived at McCallie after serving three years as the academic advisor for the football and men’s basketball teams at the University of Alabama.

As a player, Thomas was a four-year starter at strong safety for the University of Alabama, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. Though not drafted, he joined the Seahawks’ training camp in 1987 and made the team as a free agent rookie, appearing in one game. Thomas also went to training camp with the Indianapolis Colts in 1988.

Long associated with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Thomas served as that organization’s co-president in 1985-86. A native of Niceville, Florida, Thomas and his wife, Kimberly, have two children.