The University of Idaho has appointed Lee Stalker as the new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for its football program. The announcement was made following a national search, with Head Coach Thomas Ford confirming that the hiring process concluded on Tuesday.
Stalker will be introduced alongside newly hired offensive coordinator Ian Shoemaker at an upcoming press conference in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. Details regarding the date and time will be announced later.
“I’m fired up to have Coach Stalker join the Vandal family,” Ford said. “He’s a brilliant defensive mind who has spent the last three years at Iowa State – a place that is known for its defensive excellence. In his last season as a play caller at Valdosta State, the defense only gave up 16 points a game in a very tough conference. He brings a scheme that is multiple, allowing opportunities for a lot of different players to contribute, and will have carryover with a lot of the things we did well on defense in 2025. He is an excellent teacher, evaluator of talent, and will bring an exciting brand of defense to Moscow!”
Stalker comes to Idaho after nearly fifteen years in coaching roles across college football programs. His most recent position was at Iowa State, where he worked with the defense over three seasons. During this period, five Cyclone players received All-Big XII honors and seven earned Academic All-Conference recognition.
In 2025, Iowa State’s defense allowed an average of 20 points per game and ranked 26th among all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams for scoring defense. Their rushing defense also placed within the top 50 nationally by limiting opponents to 138 yards per game. The previous year, Iowa State achieved an 11-3 record—its best ever—and appeared both in the Big XII championship game and Pop Tarts Bowl while leading their conference in pass defense.
During his first season with Iowa State, the team improved its win total by five games from 2022 to 2023, finishing second in total defense and rush defense within their conference while qualifying for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
“I am extremely excited to accept this position at the University of Idaho and join Coach Ford and the Vandal Family,” Stalker stated. “I want to thank Coach Ford for his confidence in me, and I’m eager to make an immediate impact leading the Vandals’ defense. My family and I look forward to the transition to Moscow.”
Before joining Iowa State, Stalker coached outside linebackers and linebackers at Kent State over two seasons. In his first year there, Kent State won its division championship and played in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl while ranking highly in turnover margin statistics.
Previously, he served as defensive coordinator at Valdosta State from 2019-2020 where his unit led their Division II conference defensively en route to winning a league title.
Stalker’s coaching career began after playing as a defensive lineman at Kent State where he was named team captain during his senior year.
