July 20, 2007

William Thomas is used to being the most feared player on the defensive side of the football. Now, the two-time Pro Bowl linebacker will be working on putting that fear into La Salle's opponents as he joins the Explorer coaching staff for the 2007 season as a volunteer assistant. Thomas will handle the linebackers along with Coach Terence Archer.

The 10-year veteran of the National Football League (NFL) registered 37 sacks and 27 interceptions while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Oakland Raiders. He was the 104th overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft after four years at Texas A&M. Thomas will shift gears from the field to the sidelines where he will join Head Coach Tim Miller's Explorer squad.

"William wanted to get into coaching and we had an opportunity so it worked out well for him to begin his coaching career and for us to have a guy with his experience and knowledge. I think our players will really value his input," said Coach Miller.

Thomas' admiration for coaching came from his years as a player.

"From the time I spent playing in the NFL I always saw the coaches staying the night and not going home, burning the midnight oil," said Thomas. "La Salle has a great group of kids and that says a lot about the coaching staff and the University."

Thomas currently resides in New Jersey with his wife Susan and three children Zion, 12, Noah, 9, and Jonah, 3. For more information click here.