AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific Football has announced the hiring of Thomas Webb Jr. as the program's new Defensive Coordinator, bringing a tremendous coach rooted in purpose, discipline, and transformational player development to the Cougar staff.
Webb arrives at Azusa Pacific after serving on the coaching staff at Colorado State University Pueblo, where he coached the cornerbacks and helped guide the ThunderWolves to a Top-10 national ranking while leading the entire country in interceptions and turnovers across all NCAA divisions. Known for his sharp football intellect, high-level communication skills, and magnetic leadership presence, Webb played a key role in defensive game planning, pass-game scouting, personnel reporting, and implementing weekly defensive back strategies.
During his time at CSU Pueblo, Webb earned the respect of the program's defensive staff and leadership. CSU Pueblo Defensive Coordinator Caid Faske described Webb as "one of the best young up-and-coming coaches in the game, a true players' coach who develops his guys on and off the field, one of the best hires I've ever made." He continued, "APU is making a dynamic hire with T-Webb."
ThunderWolves Head Coach Philip Vigil, who coached Webb both as a player and as a young assistant, added, "There are certain players you coach who you just know will make a profound impact if they ever step into this profession. Thomas is exactly that person. He elevates every room he walks into, and I'm excited to see what God has in store for him at APU."
Webb's gratitude for his mentors and this new opportunity runs deep. "I'm incredibly grateful to Coach Vigil and Coach Faske for investing in me and helping me shape my path as a player and coach," Webb said. "I also want to thank Athletic Director Gary Pine and Head Coach AJ Parnell for believing in me and allowing me to be a part of APU Football. I am very excited to join this family, serve our players, and help write the next great chapter of this historic program."
In addition to his on-field responsibilities at CSU Pueblo, Webb served as a Built 4 Life program facilitator, helping equip student-athletes with tools for real-world readiness, leadership, identity development, and holistic growth. His commitment to developing the whole person, not just the player, has become a defining piece of his coaching identity.
Before transitioning into coaching, Webb enjoyed a six-year Division II playing career, competing at Western New Mexico, the University of Central Oklahoma, and CSU Pueblo. A former All-Conference safety, he compiled over 150 tackles, earning a reputation as an instinctive, physical, and highly coachable defensive leader. His time under Vigil, both as a player and young assistant, shaped his understanding of championship culture and the demands of elite defensive football.
Webb began his coaching journey with a volunteer stint at Mica Mountain High School (AZ), working with the defensive backs during the program's 2024 4A state championship run. There, he contributed to the development of defensive philosophy and led DB drills during summer OTAs, showcasing his natural ability to communicate technique and elevate player performance.
At CSU Pueblo, Webb quickly emerged as one of the staff's most trusted young coaches. He oversaw all aspects of the cornerback room drill work, meetings, film study, scout team coordination, academic accountability, and community engagement. He organized weekly personnel reports, created pass-game breakdowns, and collaborated on opponent scouting, making significant contributions to a defense built on discipline, physicality, and relentless takeaway creation.
Faith is a cornerstone of Webb's leadership, and he approaches coaching with a holistic, player-first mindset centered on developing young men academically, athletically, and spiritually.
"Thomas brings an energy and passion to everything he does, and it's contagious," said Head Coach AJ Parnell. "His experience coaching and competing within a championship-level defense has prepared him well for this moment in his career. Our defense, and our entire program, will benefit from his relentless energy and his genuine commitment to the growth of others."
Webb holds a Bachelor of Science in Teaching and Learning from Western New Mexico University and a Master of Education in Leadership from CSU Pueblo. His foundation in teaching and leadership directly informs a coaching philosophy grounded in growth, service, accountability, and the development of complete men.
