Glenn Thomas is in his first season as the Steelers' offensive assistant coach in 2023.
Thomas brings 20-plus years of college and pro coaching experience to Pittsburgh. Over that time, he has coached some of the game's top players at several different levels, recognizing what it takes to build a productive unit.
He spent last season (2022) as Arizona State's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, where he helped help develop a rushing attack that saw Xavier Valladay rush for 100 yards in seven games and notch the tenth-best rushing mark in school history as the transfer ran for 1,192 yards and 16 TDs, tied for fourth-most in Sun Devil history. Additionally, under Thomas's tutelage, QB Trenton Bourget broke the ASU record for all-time completion percentage in a single season (71.4%).
Prior to Arizona State, Thomas was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at UNLV (2020-21). He helped lead the Rebels to several historical accomplishments during that time, including helping running back Charles Williams break the program's career rushing record and achieve MWC First-Team All-Conference honors, becoming the first UNLV running back to earn a first-team all-league honor more than once in a career (2019). In each of Thomas's seasons at UNLV he contributed to the development of the Mountain West Freshman of the Year. In 2020, wide receiver Kyle Williams achieved the honor, while QB Cameron Friel was named to the award the following season.
Before his stint in Las Vegas, he spent the previous three seasons as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Baylor (2017-19). In 2019 the Bears went 11-2 with a No. 7 ranking before losing in the Sugar Bowl. During Thomas' three years at Baylor (2017-19), quarterback Charlie Brewer was developed into one of the top quarterbacks in school history, throwing 69 touchdowns in three seasons and being named a semifinalist for the 2019 Davey O'Brien Award.
Thomas moved to Baylor along with former Bears head coach Matt Rhule after serving together at Temple University from 2015-16. In two years with the Owls, one as quarterbacks coach and the second as offensive coordinator, Thomas helped the program post the school's first back-to-back 10-win seasons and bowl berths and capture the 2016 American Athletic Conference title. Under Thomas' direction in 2016, the offensive production increased 46.9 yards per game (from 366.7 to 413.6) and 2.6 points per game (from 29.8 to 32.4). In his first season at Temple, Thomas mentored junior QB P.J. Walker as he threw for 3,295 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Prior to his arrival in Philadelphia, Thomas spent seven seasons in the NFL (2008-14). He was the Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach for three seasons after being promoted from offensive assistant. During the three seasons when Thomas guided quarterback Matt Ryan, the former first-round pick threw for more than 4,500 and 26 touchdowns in each campaign, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2013 and 2015 and cementing himself as the best quarterback in franchise history. In 2012, Ryan set franchise single-season highs in passing yards (4,719), touchdown passes (32) and completion percentage (68.6). Atlanta's offense also featured perennial all-pros Roddy White and Julio Jones at wide receiver, Michael Turner at running back, and legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez, an NFL Hall of Famer.
Thomas started his college coaching career at Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas, from 2001-07. He served as a graduate assistant coaching wide receivers from 2001-04 and was promoted to coordinator in 2005.
Between seasons at Midwestern State, Thomas spent time with the Baltimore Ravens. He was responsible for working with wide receivers (2002-03, '05) and helped with Baltimore's quarterbacks. It was there where he was introduced to future Falcons head coach Mike Smith. The two also worked together during Smith's tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars for one season in 2004.
Thomas and his wife Felicia have two children, Hayden and Dylan.
