Photo Courtesy of Idaho State Athletics
Haley Harrison
ISU Sports Information
Idaho State Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Dan Ryan has announced the hiring of his new assistant, Brandon Stephens.
Stephens comes to Pocatello from Western Colorado where he was named the university’s first full-time strength and conditioning coach in 2017. Prior to his hiring at WCU, he worked as a graduate assistant from 2015-17.
“We are really excited to welcome Brandon to the staff,” said Ryan. “His organization and experience is going to help take our student-athletes to the next level. He has a vision and tangible ideas of how to expand and improve our department.”
During his three years as Western’s strength and conditioning coach, Stephens has helped develop 108 All-RMAC athletes, four RMAC Athletes of the Year, 30 All-Americans, six National Champions, and six professional athletes including Los Angeles Chargers running back, Austin Ekeler, NFL free-agent, Isaiah Jackson, Seinajoki Crocodiles quarterback, Brett Arrivey, Swan City Titans quarterback, Ty Henry, Swan City Titans wide receiver, Travis Haney, and US Championship qualifier, Susan Jackson.
“It’s very exciting,” said Stephens. “I’ve been searching for an opportunity to move up and when I came on my interview here everything just kind of clicked. It was exciting to hear his vision for the strength program and I think our visions and values aligned. I’m looking forward to growing this program.”
While working as a graduate assistant, Stephens oversaw the programming and training of the Mountaineer Football, Wrestling, Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams. In 2017, he obtained his Masters of Science degree in High Altitude Exercise Physiology and was part of the program’s first graduating class.
Stephens, a native of Gunnison, Colorado, graduated from Western State Colorado University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science emphasizing in Exercise Science as well as Sport Marketing and Management. He graduated from Gunnison High in 2009.
Before sustaining a career-ending shoulder injury in 2012, Stephens was a one-year starter for the Mountaineers at outside linebacker and played multiple positions on special teams. After his playing career ended, he joined Coach Bains’ football staff as a Volunteer Student-Assistant both on the field and in the weight room. Stephens ran individual drills for various positions, scout team meetings and practices while assisting with game breakdowns, scouting reports and pre-game warm-ups.
“He cares about athletes as people,” Ryan added. “Their well-being is really important to him and that is something that we were looking for in our candidates.”
Stephens is registered as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Certified Strength Coach – Level 1 through Eleiko Education, along with his USAW-SPL1 and RSCC Certifications.
His hiring was made possible after a generous multi-year commitment from Bingham Healthcare in support of the strength and conditioning program.
