Alumni Leadership Returns
Eastern Washington University’s football program is experiencing a rare infusion of home‑grown leadership. Ten of the 20 coaches and support staff are alumni who have lived the blue‑collar culture of the Cheney campus, and their shared history is being leveraged to restore a winning tradition that faded after the 2021 season.
At the helm is Aaron Best, the longest‑tenured head coach in the Big Sky Conference. In his tenure he has guided the Eagles to three FCS playoff appearances and remains the only coach in the league to have built a sustained presence in the postseason despite the program’s recent downturn.
Zach Bruce, a former safety who earned first‑team All‑Big Sky honors, returned to the staff in 2020 after a four‑year playing career that stretched from 2012 to 2016. Now in his fifth year as defensive coordinator, Bruce brings a player‑first perspective that resonates with today’s roster.
Marc Anderson, who joined the program in 2014 as an offensive coordinator, has progressed through multiple roles, shaping the team’s scheme while staying rooted in the university’s values. His longevity reflects a deep commitment to the Eagles’ community.
Other alumni include tight ends coach Austin York, who transitioned from a two‑year playing stint (2022‑2024) to his current position, and running backs coach Tamarick Pierce, a two‑year captain and first‑team All‑Big Sky selection from 2015 to 2021. Their experiences echo the program’s championship pedigree.
The support staff also bears the imprint of former players. Marcus McCurty oversees football operations, Kirsten Ishikawa tends to the team’s health as head trainer, Dani Warden handles video coordination, Spencer Ybarra manages equipment, and Mike Perez directs athletic performance. Together they form a network that blends technical expertise with personal familiarity.
A Tradition‑Driven Strategy
The collective expertise of these former Eagles is more than nostalgia; it is a strategic asset. By drawing on a shared understanding of the school’s unique challenges — from its rural setting to its emphasis on hard work — the coaching staff hopes to craft a blueprint that can finally produce a winning season.
Only one other Big Sky head coach, Tim Plough of UC Davis, also coaches at his alma mater, underscoring the rarity of this model. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Brent Pease at Montana and defensive coordinator Bobby Daly at Montana State illustrate a broader conference trend of alumni taking pivotal roles.
The personal connections extend beyond the field. Delaney Hodgins, the all‑time leading scorer in EWU women’s basketball history, is married to Zach Bruce, further intertwining the program’s athletic families.
The blend of experience, institutional memory, and personal ties positions Eastern Washington to rewrite its recent narrative, aiming for a resurgence that honors the past while chasing future success.