San Diego State associate head coach Jeff Horton announced his retirement on Tuesday, after spending the last 12 years in the Aztecs program. Horton served as offensive coordinator and running backs coach last season.
“(Retirement) is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” Horton said. “I’ve always said I wanted my retirement to be my decision. In this profession 99 percent of the time you don’t get to leave on your terms and I’m getting to do that. I wanted to leave the party when I’m still having a blast and I am doing that too. I look forward to spending more time with my wife and family in the next chapter of my life.”
“The world of football is going to miss a man like Jeff Horton in what he has brought every day to the young men that he coaches,” San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke said. “San Diego State owes Jeff a debt of gratitude for everything that he’s done here. I couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to work with Jeff, and we wish Jeff and his wife, Teri, a happy retirement.”
Additionally, Brady Hoke announced that the school's all-time leading passer Ryan Lindley would become the school's offensive coordinator after joining the staff in October of 2022. Lindley was credited with the development of Jalen Mayden, who played the first five games last season at safety before taking over as the team's starting quarterback.
"I am honored for Coach Hoke to give me this opportunity," Lindley said. "I came back home because of the respect I have for Coach Hoke and this program. I look forward to continuing to build on the success that has been had here on The Mesa. I know we need to continue to move forward, develop and improve on this side of the ball, and I am excited to collaborate with this staff to make it happen."
"We're excited to name Ryan Lindley our offensive coordinator," Hoke said. "Ryan helped us tremendously upon joining our staff midseason. I was impressed with his growth as a football coach throughout the year, his intellect and football IQ, and his quarterback development. Ryan is someone that has a bright future in this profession and we look forward to watching him progress in his new role."
