Jonas Jackson announced on Saturday that  Anthony Thomas will have the added role  of assistant head coach.

Thomas is heading into his second season on Jackson's staff. The Winfield, La. native served as running backs coach last season before being promoted to special teams coordinator in the spring.

"Coach Thomas deserves this honor.  He is someone who's experience and leadership that I can lean on.  I trust his knowledge and guidance.  I'm grateful that he has agreed to serve in this role," Jackson said.

Prior to Wesleyan, Thomas played eight seasons in the NFL--where he was named Rookie of the Year in 2001 with the Chicago Bears.  Thomas was a standout at the University of Michigan where he led the Wolverines to the 1997 National Championship.

The Bobcats open the 2012 season at Millersville on September 1. Kick-off is slated for 6 p.m.