With Andy Thompson jumping ship to become an assistant under Troy Taylor with the Stanford Cardinal, Sacramento State needs a new head coach. Which potential candidates make the most sense?
Replacement Candidates for Andy Thompson at Sacramento State
The Hornets announced Thompson has resigned from his role to “pursue other career opportunities.”
Those other opportunities? Becoming the assistant head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach at Stanford under Taylor, who left the Hornets following the 2022 season to become the Cardinal head coach.
Thompson served as Sacramento State’s head coach for two years, recording an 11-14 record. The program announced that it will begin a national search to find its next head coach.
It’s important to note that the Hornets likely still have eyes on moving up to the Pac-12 or Mountain West, so landing a coach who can help guide that transition is pivotal.
James Montgomery, RBs Coach, Boise State Broncos
James Montgomery’s ties to Sacramento and success in the Mountain West make him an ideal candidate for the Sacramento State head coaching role. A city native, Montgomery played college football in the Pac-10 and began his coaching career at the prep level before making a significant impact with the Hornets.
Over six seasons, he worked as an offensive assistant, running backs coach, and recruiting coordinator, showcasing his ability to develop talent and connect with the area.
Since leaving Sacramento State, Montgomery’s résumé has only grown stronger. He guided Fresno State’s Jordan Mims to a 1,372-yard, 18-touchdown season and a First-Team All-Mountain West honor in 2022, helping the Bulldogs win the conference and the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl.
Now serving as Boise State’s running backs coach with Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty, Montgomery’s success at multiple stops demonstrates his ability to build winning cultures, making him a perfect fit to lead the Hornets.
Kris Richardson, OL Coach, Sacramento State Hornets
If the Hornets are willing to go the internal route again, Kris Richardson would be the no-brainer choice.
As the associate head coach since 2019, Richardson has maintained strong recruiting efforts even after Taylor’s departure, a testament to the program’s stability and continuity.
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He fits the mold of the modern coach — a program CEO rather than a play-caller, akin to Dan Lanning or Dan Campbell.
With a proven track record in offensive line development and a commitment to growing talent from the high school ranks, Richardson could’ve — and maybe should’ve — been the program’s initial hire in 2022.
Angus McClure, Offensive Analyst, Kansas Jayhawks
Angus McClure made a major impact as the assistant head coach and offensive line coach at Sacramento State (1997-2003), where his teams set 52 records across NCAA Division I-AA, Big Sky, and school levels. He coached 20 All-Big Sky players, with six reaching the NFL.
A Sacramento State alum, McClure also contributed as a player and later a faculty member, showcasing his deep-rooted commitment to the school’s success. Since leaving the program in the early 2000s, McClure has bounced around several programs, primarily as an OL coach. Most recently, he spent the 2024 season as an offensive analyst with the Kansas Jayhawks in the Power Four.
Local JUCO Head Coaches
The Hornets quietly have two standout JUCO head coaches to pick from if they so choose. Sacramento City’s Dannie Walker and American River’s Jon Osterhout have sustained success with their programs over several years. Of course, it takes two to tango, and neither might be willing to move on from their current employers.
If they are, and if Sacramento State is willing to hire from the community college ranks, either could build long-lasting cultures — barring they get enough time.
Tim Skipper, Interim Head Coach, Fresno State Bulldogs
Following Jeff Tedford’s resignation, Tim Skipper stepped in as the Fresno State Bulldogs’ interim head coach for the 2024 season. He led the team to a 6-6 record and its fourth straight bowl game, but all signs point to Fresno State looking elsewhere for its full-time coach.
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Skipper has spent nearly his entire coaching career in the west, including a three-year stop at Sacramento State (2003-05) as the defensive coordinator and DBs coach. His FBS reputation, defensive prowess, and ties to the area make him a perfect fit for the Hornets.
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