MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College Director of Athletics Larry Hiser announced the appointment of
Thomas Hinkle as the Pioneers' interim head football coach Friday (Dec. 20) afternoon. Hinkle takes over for Andy Waddle who stepped down at the end of the 2024 season to take the head coaching position at NCAA Division I Valparaiso University.
"I am pleased that Tom accepted the role of interim head coach. He's worked diligently and with a plan in the week and a half that he's had the job," Hiser said. "Tom is responsive to the players, the parents and the administration, while maintaining a recruiting presence at the same time. He's got great energy which helps him get so much accomplished. We are in good hands with his leadership."
Hinkle served as a member of Waddle's coaching staff for the previous eight seasons coaching the defensive line. Hinkle has produced one of the best defensive lines in the country in recent seasons. He has coached several All-Americans including Drake Neuberger, Kyle Gallagher and
Chance Knight (Bridgeport, Ohio/Linsly School).
Hinkle, a three-year varsity letterman for Marietta, joined the coaching staff after a successful playing career in the Navy Blue and White. Hinkle played a variety of positions during his career before settling into a starting role on the defensive line.
As a freshman, Hinkle saw action in five games and made one start at quarterback. He completed 15-of-35 pass attempts for 195 yards and one touchdown. In his final two seasons, Hinkle played in every game and made seven starts on the defensive line. He made 53 tackles a senior including 1.5 sacks and 6.0 tackles for a loss.
In addition to his time on the defensive line, Hinkle also served as Marietta's punter during the 2014 season. He ranked among the conference leaders averaging 33.4 yards per punt.
Hinkle graduated from Marietta College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sports Management. He is a CrossFit Level 1 Certified Trainer. Hinkle and his wife Lauren reside in Marietta with their son J.T. and daughter Charlie.
Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at
pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at
facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.
