Bengals announce coaching move after allowing 77 points at Eastern Washington

POCATELLO — Idaho State University announced a change to the football coaching staff Monday.

According to a press release, Josh Runda “will no longer serve as the defensive coordinator for the Bengals, effective immediately.”

ISU (5-6, 3-4) allowed a season-high 77 points at Eastern Washington Saturday, and are now surrendering 37.64 points per game — 116th out of 123 FCS teams.

This was Runda’s second season as defensive coordinator at ISU.

“We thank Coach Runda for his dedication and contributions to Idaho State Football,” Athletic Director Pauline Thiros says in a news release. “Coach has been committed to our student-athletes and is a quality person we have valued highly in our program. Going forward, we simply think a different approach on the defensive side of the ball will be best for the program.”

Offensively, the Bengals have scored 33.5 points per game — tied for 20th in the FCS — including 42 in their loss at the Eagles.

“Coach Josh Runda is as fine a man and coach as one could desire for their sons,” head coach Cody Hawkins added in the same release. “He has represented Idaho State with class and integrity since his arrival. At this time, it is my hope to restructure our staff in a manner that continues the upward trajectory of our program. Part of my role as Head Coach is to make tough decisions, and this is the toughest one yet. I will always be a fan of Josh Runda and look forward to cheering him on in his future endeavors.”

Safeties coach Scott Thiessen will serve as defensive coordinator when the Bengals host the University of Idaho Saturday. The battle for The Potato State Trophy will be the Bengals’ final game of the season.