Idaho State head football coach Rob Phenicie finalized his coaching staff with the hiring of Jay Staggs as the safeties coach, the university announced Tuesday. Staggs comes to ISU after serving as the defensive coordinator at Adams State for the last three years.

Prior to working at Adams State, Staggs spent three seasons as a graduate assistant at UNLV, where he worked with Tim Hauck, former assistant coach at Montana and UNLV and current safeties coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. At UNLV, Staggs was largely responsible for special teams, scouting reports and recruiting in the Central Coast and Bay Area of California. Phenicie was also on the UNLV coaching staff while Staggs was a graduate assistant.

Staggs takes over for Spencer Toone, who was previously ISU’s safeties coach and defensive coordinator. Staggs is one of three new additions to the Bengals’ coaching staff, joining offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mike Ferriter and offensive line coach Roman Sapolu.

Prior to his time as a graduate assistant, Staggs suited up for the Runnin’ Rebels from 2003-06 as a standout defensive back, earning honorable mention All-Mountain West as a junior and senior safety. He ended his UNLV career with 206 tackles and six interceptions in 46 games.

His successful collegiate career translated into an NFL free-agent contract with the Chicago Bears in 2007. He went on to play three seasons for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League before returning his focus to coaching.

Staggs served as the head coach for the Coronado High School (Nev.) junior varsity football team in 2008. He also served as a performance specialist at the Philippi Sports Institute of Las Vegas from 2007-2012.

The native of Goleta, California, holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from UNLV and a master’s degree in public administration, also from UNLV.

2018 IDAHO STATE FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

Rob Phenicie: Head Coach/WR

Tyson Munns: Director of Football Operations

Mike Ferriter: Offensive Coordinator/QB

Roger Cooper: Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Steve Fifita: Defensive Line/NFL Liaison

Roman Sapolu: Offensive Line

David Fiefia: Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs/Special Teams

Kam Yancy: Assistant Coach/CB

Aaron Prier: Tight Ends/Academic Liaison

Jay Staggs: Safeties

Nikko Taylor: Graduate Assistant

Dan Ryan: Strength and Conditioning

Brice Van Etten: Video Coordinator