Thomas attended Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas.
[2] While with the Eagles, Thomas was a 3 time First Team All-Sooner Athletic Conference selection.
[3] Thomas immediately began his coaching career upon the completion of his college degree at Oklahoma Christian School.
After two years at Oklahoma Christian School, he returned to Seward County as an assistant coach.
Following a 26–31 first season as head coach, UT Arlington signed Thomas to a 3-year contract extension.