Last Updated: Jan. 6, 2025
Twitter: @Coach_Tavita
Tavita Thompson was named Ohio football’s offensive line coach on Jan. 6, 2025.
Thompson comes to Ohio by way of Central Michigan, where he served as an assistant coach for the past seven seasons. Most recently, Thompson was CMU's run game coordinator and offensive line coach, guiding Brayden Swartout to his second All-MAC Second Team nod.
Thompson spent the 2022 campaign as CMU’s pass game coordinator and tight ends coach, landing both Deiyantei Powell-Woods and Swartout to All-MAC Second Team honors. Previously, he served as CMU’s tackles and tight ends coach (2019 – 21) immediately following his inaugural season with the Chippewas as the tight ends coach (2018). Notably, the 2019 offense produced a MAC-best 6,070 total yards in 2019, nearly doubling the output of the 2018 Chippewas.
Prior to his arrival at CMU, Thompson spent three seasons as a graduate assistant coach with Nebraska, where he worked with tight ends Cethan Carter and Tyler Hoppes. Carter entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, playing for the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins, while Hoppes claims the most receptions of any Huskers tight end (34). Thompson also made appearances at Oregon State (2012-14) and Pacific (2011-12).
Thompson played offensive line at Oregon State from 2004-08, helping the Beavers to four consecutive bowl victories in that time. He saw action in 18 games over his career. Thompson appeared in two preseason games for the New York Jets in 2009 and spent the 2010 season in the United Football League with the Sacramento Mountain Lions.
A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, Thompson graduated from Oregon State in 2008 with a degree in human development and family studies. He earned a master's from Nebraska in 2016.
