‘I did not want to wait another moment.’ Idaho State, football coach extend contract

Cody Hawkins plans to stay in Pocatello for the foreseeable future.

After his inaugural season as head football coach in 2023, Hawkins recently agreed to a five-year contract extension with Idaho State University.

The contract, which runs through 2029, increases his salary to $222,000, with $90,500 in potential supplementary compensation, according to a news release from the university. His new contract incentivizes academic performance, home game attendance, wins and playoff performance. The contract also includes bonuses of $2,000 each for the team’s assistant coaches if the team performs well relative to their single-year APR scores.

“Idaho State University continues on an upward trajectory in the Big Sky Conference, and the university is excited to see Coach Hawkins build on the foundation he has established,” Idaho State Athletic Director Pauline Thiros said. “A thriving Bengal football program is important to ISU and the region. Coach’s inaugural season, player feedback, continued major support from benefactors and partners, and his exceptional recruiting class all demonstrate his ability and value.

“Frankly, I did not want to wait another moment to extend his time in Pocatello.”

The Bengals went just 3-8 in 2023 but it was the team’s most wins since 2019, and they boasted the No. 1 passing offense in FCS at 330.1 yards per game. Three Bengals received all-conference honors, and wide receiver Chedon James was named an All-American.

Under Hawkins’ leadership, the program successfully executed its academic recovery plan, leading the football team to post a 3.18 cumulative GPA in the fall.

“My family is excited and honored to have athletic director Thiros and President (Robert) Wagner extend our time in Pocatello,” Hawkins said. “I also want to express my gratitude for the hard work and faithfulness of our student-athletes, because none of this would be possible without them. They are what makes this program so special. Our incredible staff has also been instrumental in bringing love and joy into the lives of our team members.

“I knew when I moved to Pocatello, I would love the community. The overwhelming support since my arrival has been incredible, and I will continue to work hard to reward the loyalty of the Bengal faithful. Our administration and athletic department have made many improvements over this past year that will put us in a position to be competitive on and off the field. I am confident that if we continue to make improvements at the current rate, we will bring a championship culture to Pocatello.”

Hawkins is the son of former Boise State football coach Dan Hawkins. Cody Hawkins played quarterback for Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, going 24-0 as the Knights’ starting varsity quarterback and winning back-to-back state championships in 2004-05. He was twice named the Idaho Statesman’s 4A All-Idaho Player of the Year.

Cody Hawkins then went on to play for his dad at Colorado, where he set school records for passing yards and passing touchdowns.