DETROIT -- Wayne State University head football Terrence Isaac, Sr., has selected Charles W. "Toby" Thurman to be the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

"Coach Thurman is a seasoned veteran who has coached football on many levels," commented Isaac.  "His leadership and ability to mold young men is remarkable."

Thurman comes to Wayne State after spending the last two years (2024-25) as head coach at Central Lakes (Community) College in Brainerd, Minn.    

He began his coaching career as offensive coordinator and running backs coach at Armijo High School (Fairfield, Calif.) for two years (1995-96), followed by two seasons (1997-98) as head coach at Armijo.  During this time, he also served as an assistant running backs coach and regional assistant recruiter at Solano Community College (Fairfield, Calif.) for three years (1996-98).  Thurman was the defensive line coach at American River College (Sacramento, Calif.) for three years (2000-02), before spending the 2003 season as an assistant coach at Hogan High School (Vallejo, Calif.).  While at ARC, he coached under the legendary Ralph Orey, who he had played for 10 years prior.

Thurman served the next four years (2004-08) as a strength and conditioning trainer in Fairfield, Calif.  He was the head coach at Mira Loma High School (Sacramento, Calif.) from 2014-17, before spending two seasons (2018-19) as an assistant coach at Pioneer High School (Woodland, Calif.). 

He earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education & Health from Eastern Oregon University and a master's in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine.  Thurman is currently pursuing a second master's degree in Coaching and Exercise Science from CUI.

A native of Fairfield, Calif., Thurman was a two-year starter (1991-93) at American River College that competes in the 3C2A after receiving All-Solano County recognition as both a running back and as a defensive linemen while in high school.