SIUE Announces Plans for Head Coaching Transition

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - SIUE wrestling is preparing for a new era as Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin announced that Daryl Thomas will be elevated to head coach beginning in the 2026-27 season. Thomas, currently the program's associate head coach, officially will take the reins of the program on April 1, 2026.  

Thomas will take the helm of the program from Jeremy Spates, who has served as head coach of SIUE wrestling since the 2013-14 season. Spates intends to remain a member of the Cougars' coaching staff.  

"This is exciting news for SIUE wrestling as we look towards the future of the program," Gavin said. "Today we embark on a new era for the Cougars under Coach Thomas, while also celebrating the hard work and dedication of Coach Spates. They have worked admirably together to put the program on a trajectory of growth and success, setting the stage for a successful transition for our student-athletes on and off the mat." 

Thomas, an Edwardsville native, has spent the past four seasons on the Cougars' coaching staff. His well-rounded leadership in support of Spates has propelled the program to recent success in recruiting and competition.  With an ambitious and effective recruiting strategy, Thomas has led recruiting efforts that have built a roster that spans from Florida to California, while also securing standout talent in the region from Illinois and Missouri. On the mat, that roster delivered results as the 2023–24 season produced seven dual victories—the program's most in a single season since 2003–04. 

"Stepping into the role of Head Coach for SIUE wrestling in my hometown is both a great honor and the realization of a lifelong dream," Thomas said. "I'm incredibly grateful to Chancellor Minor, Andrew Gavin, Mark Izquierdo and everyone involved for providing me with this opportunity. I'm especially thankful to Jeremy Spates for his persistence in bringing me home and confidence in me to continue to build on the foundation he's laid. I look forward to fostering an environment for our student-athletes that breeds success with individuals of high character that are gritty, smart and dependable. The future is bright, and the best is yet to come."  

"I've been so impressed to see Coach Thomas put his imprint on this program over the past few seasons," Gavin said. "He's proven to be an excellent recruiter, coach and mentor of young men. We look forward to supporting his continued growth and success as he transitions to our head coach." 

Coach Spates has served more than a decade as the Cougars' head coach. Under his direction, SIUE has had 22 NCAA Division I Tournament qualifiers. During the 2016-17 season, Jake Residori became SIUE's first NCAA Division I All-American since Tim Wright in 1987. In 2023-24, Spates guided the Cougars to their first .500 or better dual season since 1991-92.   

"I love our athletes, this program, the university and community," Spates said. "I want to sincerely thank everyone that has helped me get this program to where we are today. I want to thank all the alumni and boosters who have taken my family in as part of their families. Coach Thomas is one of the best up and coming coaches in wrestling. I have seen his vision for the future, and I am excited to be a part of it. I want to thank our administration, Andrew Gavin and Chancellor Minor for helping to make this vision a reality."  

"We're grateful to Coach Spates for his long service and efforts leading SIUE wrestling," Gavin said. "He has helped put Coach Thomas and this program in position for continued progress, and we're excited he'll still be part of its success. Most importantly, we commend Coach Spates for his leadership and mentorship on and off the mat and the impact he has made on the young men that have represented SIUE wrestling."  

The timing of this transition adds even more excitement for Cougar wrestling. The 2026-27 season will not only mark Coach Thomas' first year at the helm but also bring the Mid-American Conference Championship to SIUE's campus for the first time, giving Cougar fans the chance to pack the stands and support their team on their home mat. Just weeks later, the NCAA Championships return to St. Louis, creating a rare opportunity for the program and its community to be at the center of college wrestling's biggest stages. 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING 

Alan Grammer, SIUE wrestling alum, SIUE Athletics Hall of Famer and former SIUE Assistant Coach 

"I have known Daryl since he wrestled under Coach Wagner. He is a quality individual off the mat and fierce competitor on the mat. He certainly has the fire to continue and go to the next level. It will be exciting to see this transpire. This is very exciting news." 

Scotti Sentes, Executive Director of Wrestlers in Business Network. Former Campbell University Head Coach  

"Daryl Thomas is an absolute professional with every skill you'd want in a CEO, and I have no doubt he will lead SIUE wrestling to new levels. It was an honor to work alongside him; his ability to teach technique, recruit talent, plan, motivate, and organize is unmatched. More than that, Daryl is one of the best people I've ever had the privilege to work with, and I'm excited to watch him build something special for the program and the athletes who follow him." 

Steve Martin, Former Old Dominion University Head Coach  

"Daryl Thomas is the perfect choice to take SIUE wrestling to the next level. He is not only an unbelievable recruiter, but he also knows how to coach student athletes to achieve above their potential on and off the mat. During the time I spent with him at ODU it was obvious to me that he would eventually be a D1 Head Coach.  He is super prepared for this job as he has paid the price coaching at four different Mid Major programs. We look forward in the 757 to not only following him but watching him put student-athletes on the podium at the NCAA Wrestling Championships." 

Jim Heffernan, Former Illinois Head coach  

"I'm extremely excited for Daryl. He's passionate about coaching, has paid his dues and earned this opportunity.  I know he'll do an outstanding job as the next SIUE Head Coach." 

Jordan Blanton, 3x NCAA All American at Illinois, Co-Head Coach: Marian Central Catholic (Woodstock, Co-head Coach: Relentless Training Center) 

"I'm thrilled for Daryl Thomas being named the next SIUE Head Wrestling Coach. His passion, leadership, and deep understanding of the wrestling community and local communities alike make him the perfect choice to lead the Cougars. Coach Spates began the process of Restoring the program to Glory, and I have no doubt Coach Thomas will lead them to new and greater heights. It's not just a win for them, but for the entire wrestling community in Illinois." 

Jon Wagner, SIUE wrestling alum, current Edwardsville High School wrestling head coach 

"Daryl Thomas is a showpiece of excellence in handling the day-to-day grind of wrestling and enjoying this process and journey. I am so excited to see Coach Thomas' consistent hard work and enthusiasm be rewarded, setting the stage to make prideful champions in our Cougar wrestling program. Thank you to Coach Spates for cultivating a winning atmosphere in the Cougar wrestling program and instilling great pride. The program made great progress under his guidance." 

Mark Izquierdo, SIUE Associate Athletics Director & Wrestling Sport Administrator 

"Coach Spates has been the steady hand guiding SIUE wrestling through more than a decade of growth. His commitment to building a competitive program while developing young men of character has created a lasting foundation. We're grateful for his leadership and the mark he's made on Cougar wrestling, and we look forward to seeing both Coach Spates and Coach Thomas continue to elevate the program to heights greater than ever before."