Written by Jon Match
Charlie Ragle has announced that he is in the final stages of negotiations for a coaching position at the FBS level, and will not return as Idaho State University’s head football coach, Athletic Director Pauline Thiros announced Monday morning.
Ragle took over the program in December 2021 after serving as special teams coordinator for five years at Cal Berkeley and prior to that, five years at The University of Arizona. Prior to his time in the PAC-12, Ragle spent time in his native state of Arizona as head coach of Chaparral High School, where he accumulated a 63-7 record.
“While we are disappointed to lose Coach after only one year, our vision for the future remains steadfast’” said Athletic Director Pauline Thiros. “We will take this as an opportunity to find the right leader for ISU Football and continue to build and invest in the program in a significant way.”
“Pauline and I are firmly committed to excellence in our athletic programs,” said President Kevin Satterlee. “We will find the right coach to match this commitment.”
During Ragle’s time at Idaho State, he focused on the overall growth and development of the program. While leading the team to a 1-10 record, he saw individual success in the student-athletes. Idaho State ended the season with two Big Sky All-Conference players in Charles Ike and Xavier Guillory. As linebacker, Ike finished the 2022 season with 88 total tackles and four tackles for loss. Guillory finished the regular season ranked 39th in receiving yards in the FCS with 785 yards. Ragle also worked on the special teams development of Ian Hershey, who successfully kicked the 2nd longest field goal and the 4th longest punt in the Big Sky this season.
“I certainly regret the timing of this move, however, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities sometimes come at inopportune moments. I am extremely appreciative of my time in Pocatello and at Idaho State, and I believe in the future of this program. I wish the City of Pocatello and Bengal Athletics great success, and I know this department is moving in a great direction.” Ragle said.
A search to hire a new head coach will begin immediately. Until the head coach position is filled, Coach Edgar Weiser, Assistant Head Coach, will serve as the football liaison and maintain recruiting and player contact, and support the director of athletics with the program transition.
