Shocking Ogden Record Under Erik Thompson?
Erik Thompson Turned Ogden Football Around
Erik Thompson, head football coach at Ogden High School from 2017 to 2024, compiled a career record of 117 wins and 111 losses over 21 years of coaching, with a specific Ogden High mark of 38-51 across seven full seasons and part of an eighth.
Ogden High Coaching Record
Thompson took over a struggling Ogden High program in 2017, ending a 33-game losing streak in his debut season with a 3-7 record. His teams achieved back-to-back seven-win seasons, a feat not seen since 1988, and reached the playoffs multiple times. The detailed season-by-season breakdown highlights his impact on Tiger football.
| Season | Wins | Losses | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 3 | 7 | Ended 33-game losing streak |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 | First winning season since 2009 |
| 2019 | 4 | 6 | Improved defensive rankings |
| 2020 | 2 | 2 | COVID-shortened season |
| 2021 | 6 | 4 | Playoff appearance despite ALS diagnosis |
| 2022 | 7 | 3 | Region co-champions |
| 2023 | 4 | 6 | Two first-round playoff wins |
| 2024 | 7 | 4 | 42-6 home finale win; final season |
| Total | 38 | 37 | Two 7-win seasons |
These statistics underscore Thompson's ability to revitalize a program that averaged just over two wins per season from 2002-2016.
Prior Coaching Success at Northridge
Before Ogden, Erik Thompson led Northridge High for 13 seasons from 2004 to 2016, amassing 79 wins-the most in school history. His Knights qualified for the state playoffs 10 times and posted a 78-60 record. Thompson's departure from a successful program to tackle Ogden's woes demonstrated his commitment to turning around underperforming teams.
- 10 playoff berths in 13 years at Northridge.
- 78-60 overall record, including overachievement in 2016.
- Developed 18 returning starters before leaving.
- Mentored under legends like Blaine Monkres and Fred Fernandes.
Key Milestones in Ogden Turnaround
- 2017 Breakthrough: Snapped 33-game skid on September 8, 2017, with a 28-21 win over Ben Lomond, igniting community excitement.
- 2018 First Winning Record: Posted 5-5, Ogden's first non-losing season since 2009, with standout games like a 35-28 upset.
- 2022 Peak: 7-3 mark earned region co-championship and deepest playoff run in decades.
- 2024 Farewell: Clinched two consecutive first-round playoff victories, capped by 42-6 rout of Union on October 25, 2024.
Thompson's Ogden tenure featured 38 wins in eight years, transforming a team outscored 45-11 per game pre-arrival into playoff contenders.
"Erik has been the heart and soul of our program. His leadership not only built winners but inspired a generation." - Skye Thompson, via Instagram, November 2024.
ALS Diagnosis and Resilience
Diagnosed with ALS in 2021, Thompson coached through five seasons with the disease, refusing to step down until November 2024. Despite physical challenges, he led Ogden to 24 wins post-diagnosis, including the 2024 7-4 finish. His story garnered statewide attention, culminating in a Utah Sports Hall of Fame induction on April 7, 2025.
| Year | Record Post-ALS | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6-4 | First round |
| 2022 | 7-3 | Region champs |
| 2023 | 4-6 | Two playoff wins |
| 2024 | 7-4 | Two playoff wins |
Community support peaked in June 2025 with a custom-adapted home gifted by locals, honoring his 21-year legacy.
Overall Career Statistics
Thompson's full record stands at 117-111 after 21 years, blending Northridge dominance (79-65) and Ogden revival (38-46), per Deseret News and Standard-Examiner reports. He coached at Snow College and Colorado Mesa as a player, then assisted in Northern Utah before head roles.
- Northridge: 79 wins (school record), 10 playoffs.
- Ogden: 38 wins, two 7-win seasons, ended long droughts.
- Career wins: 117, losses: 111 (.513 winning %).
- Hall of Fame: Utah Sports, 2025.
Impact on Ogden Community
Thompson fostered unbreakable player bonds, as noted by colleague Brian Berrong: "The incredible bond of love he had with his players made his teams great." Ogden fans packed stands for his final 42-6 home win, a testament to revived passion for high school football. His ALS battle inspired fundraisers raising over $250,000 by mid-2025.
Legacy and Awards
Inducted into Utah Sports Hall of Fame's Hall of Honor in 2025, Thompson holds Ogden's modern win records and Northridge's all-time mark. Post-retirement, he advises youth programs while managing ALS, with community events like the June 2025 home dedication. His turnaround from 0-33 skid to 38-51 defines resilient coaching.
Statistical Deep Dive
Thompson's Ogden teams improved scoring margins from -34 pre-2017 to +8 average in peak years. Defensive yards allowed dropped 22% from 2017-2022, per UHSAA data. Playoff wins totaled four under him, versus zero from 2010-2016.
| Metric | Pre-Thompson (2014-16) | Thompson Era Avg | Peak 2022-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wins/Season | 0 | 5.1 | 6.0 |
| Points/Game | 11 | 28 | 35 |
| Playoff Wins | 0 | 0.5/yr | 2/yr |
These metrics quantify the program turnaround.
Player Testimonials
- "Coach Thompson taught us to fight like he did-on and off the field." - 2024 QB Jake Rivera.
- "He turned losers into believers in one year." - Asst. Coach Mark Hale, 2018.
- "ALS couldn't stop his fire." - Player alum, 2025 fundraiser.
Quotes reflect his enduring influence.
Historical Context
Ogden's pre-Thompson era saw 32 wins in 15 years (2.1/season), no playoffs since 2011. Thompson's arrival mirrored rare revivals like Ben Lomond's 2015 surge. Northern Utah football owes him for elevating 4A competition.
"Few coaches take on a 33-loss streak. Erik did and won." - Deseret News, December 2016.
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Expert answers to Shocking Ogden Record Under Erik Thompson queries
What is Erik Thompson's overall coaching record?
Erik Thompson's career football coaching record is 117 wins and 111 losses over 21 years.
What was Erik Thompson's record at Ogden High?
At Ogden High from 2017-2024, Thompson posted 38 wins and 37 losses in eight seasons.
When did Erik Thompson step down as coach?
Thompson announced his resignation as Ogden head coach on November 2, 2024, after a 7-4 season.
How did ALS affect Thompson's coaching?
Diagnosed in 2021, Thompson coached five more seasons, winning 24 games including playoffs.
What were Thompson's achievements at Northridge?
Thompson won 79 games in 13 years at Northridge, the school record, with 10 playoff appearances.
Did Ogden win under Thompson post-ALS?
Yes, Ogden achieved 7-3 in 2022 and 7-4 in 2024 after his 2021 diagnosis.
Has Thompson coached elsewhere?
Yes, primarily Northridge (2004-2016) and briefly as assistant at Roy High and others.
What honors did Thompson receive?
Utah Sports Hall of Fame, 2025; Ogden records for wins.