Jason Thoren, defensive coordinator and assistant head football coach, loves football. In fact, Thoren cannot live without football.

Thoren’s journey ignited during his teen years at Lawrence High School. The local was a two-year starter for the offense and defense that won three consecutive Kansas state titles from 1991-1993. Thoren said during his high school years, expectations and pressure were always high for the Lions.

“As a kid growing up in Lawrence it was the one thing that you wanted to get in that environment and play,” he said. “It was just special. The whole town was behind you and when you walked on the field you knew you were going to win.”

Three state championships weren’t enough for Thoren. Actually, they were just the beginning. In the fall of 1994 Thoren stepped onto the University of Kansas campus as a scholarship football player. As an inside linebacker, he entered a competitive college football environment.

“When I went in I was around No. 7 on the depth chart,” Thoren said. “It took a little while to get an opportunity to show what I could do, but eventually I was given it and caught the coaches’ eyes.”

Thoren did much more than catch an eye. He was the starting inside linebacker for the Jayhawks for four years, managed to tack on a 1st Team All-Big 8 honor his sophomore year and was 3rd Team All-Big 12 his junior year. Thoren remembers moments that some people dream about.

“I remember going to the different places and playing in the big games,” he said. “Playing in the KU-K-State game was pretty special. As we’re pulling into the stadium, our bus was getting rocked by their fans. I remember playing against Oklahoma University, a team I’ve always been a fan of, and beating Colorado when they were number four in the country.”

After graduating from KU in 1998, Thoren continued on to coach high school football for two years, and then trekked to the University of Minnesota for three years as an offensive graduate assistant coach. Now entering his sixth season at Baker, Thoren said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return home and continue to coach college football.

“Coach (Thoren) has been with us since day one,” Head football coach Mike Grossner said. “We started this journey together and he’s seen us from the roots on up. He’s done a great job keeping the enthusiasm up for the program and for the school, and has done a fantastic job recruiting.”

As chief of the Wildcat defense, Thoren’s personable manner and devotion to the sport haven’t gone unnoticed. Fifth-year senior Andrew Patch has known Thoren since 2004. The BU defensive end said he knows he and Thoren will have a relationship for the rest of their lives.

“He has a personal connection with every player on the team,” Patch said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re on offense or defense, first or fourth string, he truly cares about the players individually.”

Just when it seemed like Thoren was settled, a whole new task was thrown into the picture as he began working toward a teaching certificate from Baker this summer. Thoren said his plans have been something he’s always wanted to do.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted, to teach and coach, and I have really enjoyed the process,” he said.

Now, in the prime of his career, what’s next for Thoren?

“I’d say being the head coach of the U.S. Olympic team when they come out with football,” he joked.

On a serious note, Thoren said he’s not sure where the road will take him, but he’s certain about one thing.

“I don’t like football, I love football,” he said. “It’s something that I think about all the time. It’s a passion. Football for me definitely has to be a part of it. I think it’d go crazy without it.”

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