University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Staff Directory
Josh Thornton
- Title:
- Assistant Coach | Cornerbacks
Josh Thornton serves as the cornerbacks coach at the University of Northern Colorado, working with the Bears’ defensive backfield and contributing to the continued growth of the program’s pass defense.
During the 2025 season, Thornton played a key role in a Northern Colorado secondary that showed significant improvement across multiple defensive metrics. The Bears reduced opponent passing yards allowed from 243.9 yards per game to 211.6, while pass efficiency defense improved from 159.3 to 124.6. UNC also increased its takeaway production, finishing the season with six interceptions and improving third-down defense from 46.8% to 37.7%, reflecting improved coverage discipline and situational execution on the perimeter.
Individual development in the cornerbacks room helped support one of the most improved defensive units in the Big Sky Conference, as Northern Colorado lowered scoring defense by more than nine points per game, allowing 28.4 points per contest after surrendering 37.5 the previous season. The Bears also nearly doubled their sack total from nine to 17, benefitting from tighter coverage and improved timing in the pass rush.
Thornton’s work at the cornerback position contributed to a defensive unit that ranked among the most improved in the conference, helping stabilize the secondary and support a defense that took measurable steps forward in all phases during the 2025 campaign.
During the 2025 season, Thornton played a key role in a Northern Colorado secondary that showed significant improvement across multiple defensive metrics. The Bears reduced opponent passing yards allowed from 243.9 yards per game to 211.6, while pass efficiency defense improved from 159.3 to 124.6. UNC also increased its takeaway production, finishing the season with six interceptions and improving third-down defense from 46.8% to 37.7%, reflecting improved coverage discipline and situational execution on the perimeter.
Individual development in the cornerbacks room helped support one of the most improved defensive units in the Big Sky Conference, as Northern Colorado lowered scoring defense by more than nine points per game, allowing 28.4 points per contest after surrendering 37.5 the previous season. The Bears also nearly doubled their sack total from nine to 17, benefitting from tighter coverage and improved timing in the pass rush.
Thornton’s work at the cornerback position contributed to a defensive unit that ranked among the most improved in the conference, helping stabilize the secondary and support a defense that took measurable steps forward in all phases during the 2025 campaign.
Gabi Fields and Kristen Mattio Press Conference vs Montana State
Friday, January 02
Steve Smiley, Brock Wisne & Ring Nyeri Press Conference vs DU
Saturday, December 20
Post Dual Press Conference with Head Coach Teyon Ware
Saturday, December 20
Steve Smiley, Zach Bloch and Egan Shields Press Conference vs South Dakota
Sunday, December 07
