Idaho Vandals appoint VJ Malo to overhaul defensive line strategy
Head coach Thomas Ford Jr. replaces Tevita Finau with VJ Malo, citing the need for improved pressure and recruiting depth in the Northwest.
The Idaho Vandals have undergone a significant structural change in their defensive coaching staff, with head coach Thomas Ford Jr. appointing VJ Malo as the new defensive line coach. The decision marks the departure of Tevita Finau and reflects an institutional priority to address specific deficiencies in sacks, tackles for loss, and pass pressures that plagued the unit in the previous season.
Ford described the hiring process as a focused evaluation of four or five candidates, ultimately selecting Malo based on his proven track record and regional recruiting potential. The two share a professional history dating back to 2018, when Ford, then head coach at Simon Fraser, attempted to recruit Malo to play for the team. Ford noted that Malo remained on his short list for coaching roles following his transition from player to coach.
Malo’s appointment leverages his direct competitive experience against Idaho. In the previous season, he coached the defensive ends at Portland State, where he faced the Vandals. Ford indicated that Malo’s familiarity with the opponent and his "hunger" made him the clear choice for the position.
The statistical context for the change is stark. Last season, Idaho defensive linemen recorded eight sacks as a group, a figure nearly matched by the linebackers, who recorded seven. Matyus McLain was the only defensive lineman with more than one sack, contributing 4.5, but he has since transferred to Washington State. This loss of production necessitated a strategic reset for the defensive front.
Malo brings substantial playing credentials to the role, having set FCS-level records at Portland State in 2021 with 20 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. His tenure as a player at Portland State during the 2021-22 seasons provided him with a deep understanding of the technical nuances required for the position.
During the current fall camp, defensive coordinator Lee Stalker reported that the unit has demonstrated improved consistency and cohesion. Stalker observed that the defensive tackles and ends are now operating as a unified group rather than individual contributors, resulting in greater disruption across the field in both run and pass situations.
