Trending: New App State Coach Dowell Loggains announced his decision to bring back App State Legendary QB to coaching role
BOONE, N.C. — In a move that has Appalachian State fans buzzing, newly appointed head coach Dowell Loggains is reportedly in advanced talks to bring back one of the program’s most iconic quarterbacks to serve as both a coach and on-field mentor. Sources close to the program say the Mountaineers are pursuing former QB Zac Thigpen, the 2015 Sun Belt Player of the Year, to join the 2025 staff as an “on-field assistant” working closely under Loggains.
Loggains, 44, officially became Appalachian State’s 23rd head coach on December 7, 2024, signing a five-year contract running through 2029 . Prior to arriving in Boone, he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at South Carolina, where his unit finished ranked third in the SEC in rushing in 2024, led by freshman star LaNorris Sellers . Loggains brings 16 years of NFL and college experience under his belt .
On February 7, 2025, Loggains officially unveiled his inaugural coaching staff, naming Clyde Christensen as Associate Head Coach, D.J. Smith as Defensive Coordinator, Riley Watkins as Quarterbacks coach, and others . Watkins, who assisted Loggains at South Carolina, will still oversee QB drills—but it’s Thigpen who Loggains is hoping will provide the extra spark.
A legend returns to Boone
Zach “Zac” Thigpen set multiple records during his App State career from 2013 to 2016. A dual-threat signal-caller, he rewrote the school’s record books with the most career Total Offense (13,789 yards), was a two-time Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year, and famously led the Mountaineers to an upset win over Michigan State in 2015. Since leaving Boone, Thigpen has gained coaching experience as a graduate assistant at his alma mater and as an offensive analyst in the FBS, earning a reputation as a rising star in offensive strategy.
“Zac understands the identity of this team—what it means to play with grit, to represent App State & to win big at Kidd Brewer,” said one source close to the program. “Coach Loggains views him as the ideal bridge for his pro-style concepts and the Mountaineer DNA.”
The role on-field assistant entails
Under the rumored arrangement, Thigpen would spend up to 10 hours per week working with the quarterbacks room, offering live-game insight from the sidelines, and mentoring rising transfer portal and incoming freshman QBs like J.J. Kohl and AJ Swann, both expected to vie for the starting job in 2025 . Thigpen would also lead weekly skill sessions, help script game plans alongside offensive coordinator Aashon Larkins, and serve as a club ambassador during recruiting visits, attending summer camps and connect days.
Loggains, known as a strong recruiter and relationship-builder, emphasized earlier this year that his program would be built around high-character leaders with both experience and passion . Thigpen fits that bill. During his college career, he was also a two-time Academic All-Sun Belt selection and recognized by his peers for leadership.
Fans and analysts react
The buzz around Boone has been building since news emerged during spring practices. App State’s beat reporter for the Mountaineer Echoes noted, “The energy is off the charts. Having Thigpen back—someone who embodies the program, knows the offense inside‑out, and can speak the language in the huddle—could be the missing piece.” Local legend and former quarterback Cody Brown commented, “If coach wants to merge pro concepts with App State’s DNA, I can’t imagine a better vet than Zac. He’s our guy.”
Mock branch analysts, meanwhile, are intrigued: one Sun Belt pundit wrote, “Often, bringing back program legends yields intangible leadership returns. If Thigpen helps shorten the QB learning curve for Swann or Kohl, App State could surprise the East Division.”
What’s next
President of Appalachian State Athletics, Doug Gillin, has confirmed the university has begun contract discussions with Thigpen but emphasized that nothing is final until details are vetted by legal and compliance departments. A formal announcement is expected by late July.
Meanwhile, the Mountaineers are ramping up summer football activities. The “Battle at the Rock” spring game drew record interest on April 12 , and season tickets for the 2025 campaign are sold out . App State opens its season August 28 at home against Charlotte—coached by new UNC‑Charlotte leader Tim Albin—in a showdown that now features a revitalized staff and a potential legend‑60 mentoring a new era of quarterbacks.
