Central Washington University Athletics

Zach Tinker was named the offensive coordinator for Central Washington University Football in February of 2020. He joins CWU after spending eight seasons at Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference institution South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (2012-19), including the previous four as the head coach (2016-19).

Tinker is no stranger to the Pacific Northwest and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. He played his college football at Western Washington (1995-98) and was an assistant for the Vikings from 2003-07. The Hardrockers were also members of the GNAC in 2014 and 2015 before joining the RMAC ahead of the 2016 season.
 
In eight seasons at SDSMT, the Hardrockers went 34-53 during Tinker's tenure including an 18-26 record in four seasons as head coach. The Rockers were one of the top offensive teams in Division II in three seasons during that span.

The 2018 campaign had the Hardrockers offense rank in the top-10 in Division II in five offensive categories, including leading three No. 1 rankings. They were the top team in third down efficiency (55.5%), first downs (28.3 per game), and passing offense (332.4 ypg). Their total offense of 536.9 yards per game was third and the scoring offense of 43.8 points per game was eighth. That season SDSMT defeated Black Hills State University to win back the Homestake Trophy. Running back Connor Silveria was named RMAC and Division II Player of the Week after setting a NCAA Division II single-game rushing record with 425 yards in a 56-42 victory over Adams State on Oct 13. Senior quarterback Jakeb Sullivan led all of Division II in passing yards averaging 325.1 yards per game. He also led the nation in total offense averaging 356.0 yards per game. Sullivan was the most prolific touchdown producer in Division II totaling 32 pass touchdowns to accompany his 10 rushing touchdowns. He eclipsed every season and career passing or quarterback statistic in school history. Wide receiver Isaiah Manley set a school record for receptions (93), receiving yards (1223), and touchdown receptions (13). Defensive back Dominick Jackson tied for a RMAC-best seven interceptions. Sullivan was one of 37 nominees for the prestigious Harlon Hill Award given to the nation's best player in NCAA Division II. 18 Hardrockers earned RMAC All-Academic Honor Roll status including two first team selections.
 
In 2017, the SDSMT offense had freshman wide receiver Brandon Labrie haul in a season-best 11 catches for a season-high 182 yards and two touchdowns to be first Rocker in school history to earn RMAC Player of the Week honors for his performance against Adams State. 2017 was also the first season in 100 years (October 27, 1917) where the Hardrockers defeated Colorado School of Mines with a 37-29 win. SDSMT finished 5-6 for the 2017 campaign and had 10 RMAC All-Academic selection, including two first team picks. LaBrie was named the RMAC Offensive Freshman of the Year by league coaches and garnered Second Team All-RMAC honors on offense. Sullivan named All-RMAC Second team once again at quarterback.
 
In his first season as head coach in 2016, Tinker won his debut game in a 64-41 thrashing og William Jewell (Mo.) on September 3. The Rockers played their first game in the RMAC and earned a hard-fought road win 31-27 over fellow conference newcomer, Dixie State … SDSMT went on the win the Homestake Trophy victory for a second straight year and first for Tinker as head coach with a 46-17 victory over rival Black Hills State. Seven players earned All-RMAC Academic Team honors that year. Senior kick returner Rashad Ridley was named All-RMAC First Team, while senior linebacker David Jakpor earned Second Team All-RMAC honors on defense. Senior wide receiver Marcus Sanchez set a school record with 17 pass receiving touchdowns to go along with Second Team All-RNAC honors. Sullivan was named Second Team All-RMAC in his sophomore season.
 
2015 saw the Hardrockers finish with their second winning season in three years (6-5) and their third since 1986. SDMST finished 11th nationally in first downs per game (24.6). The offense averaged 191.6 rushing yards per game. They were second in the GNAC with an average of 435.8 yards per game of total offense. The Rockers again averaged over 30 points per game (30.4) and were the least penalized team in the GNAC in penalties per game and penalty yards per game. Signal caller Trent McKinney was named First Team All-GNAC at quarterback for the second consecutive season.
 
During the 2014 campaign, SDMST led the GNAC in total offense (480.2 ypg), passing offense (321.7 ypg), first downs (26.0 per game), and red zone offense (.875). The passing offense was 12th in Division II, while the red zone offense and first downs ranked 13th and 14th, respectively. Tinker was a named one of three finalists for the American Football Coaches Association Division II Assistant Coach of the Year. The offense once again broke several school records including total offense (5,282 yards), passing offense (3,540 yards), and first downs (286) in a season. McKinney earned the GNAC Newcomer of the Year Award and was voted First Team All-GNAC at quarterback while leading the league in total offense at 333.3 yards per game.
 
In eight seasons with SDSMT, Tinker's offense was not only one of the best in the GNAC (2014-15) and RMAC (2015-19), but also in Division II. 2012 was the final season of transition from NAIA to Division II for the Hardrockers. They were independent Division II in 2013, before joining the GNAC ahead of the 2014 season.
 
In 2013, the Hardrockers were ranked in the top2-5 in four offensive categories in Division II. They led the way in Red Zone Offense (.977) and scored 36 touchdowns (.837). They were fourth in fewest fumbles lost (3), eighth in fewest sacks allowed (8), and 25th in scoring offense at 38.4 points per game. SDMST finished with a with 6-4 record marking only the secondnd winning season in the then previous 25 years of SDSMT football. They were recognized as the most prolific offense in the then 109-year history of Hardrocker Football. The offense set a mark for most points scored in a season (384 / 38.4 ppg) and a school record total yards in a season 4268 (426.8 ypg).
 
Prior to joining SDSMT, Tinker spent five seasons at the NAIA level as an assistant coach at Southern Oregon University (2007) and Eastern Oregon University (2008-2011).
 
In his time at EOU, Tinker helped guide the Mountaineers' offense to be one of the best not only in the Frontier Conference but also in NAIA Division I.
 
In 2011, EOU finished 8-3, just the second second-win season in the then 82-year school history. EOU led the Frontier Conference and ranked No. 15 nationally with 34.6 points per game. The Mounties defeated defending National Champion and No. 1 ranked Carroll College snapping the Saints 44-game Frontier Conference winning streak. EOU led NAIA Division I in third down conversion (50.3%), was seventh pass efficiency (155.9), eighth in both total pass offense (2,783 yards) and first downs per game (22.2), 12th total offense per game (410.0 ypg), 15th in scoring offense per game (34.6 ppg), and 17th in fourth down conversions (53.3%).

In the 2009 and 2010 seasons, the Mountie offense ranked in the top-10 in offense in first downs per game (2010; 6th – 24.8) and scoring offense (2009; 10th – 37.5 ppg). In 2009, quarterback Chris Ware was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year in the conference and finished with a 37-9 touchdown/interception ratio. They had a 5-1 home record in 2007 and were second in scoring in the Frontier Conference at 28.2 points per game.

Tinker spent the 2007 season as the Special Teams Coordinator and Wide Receiver Coach at Southern Oregon. He helped guide the team to a 5-4 record and their first winning season since the 2004 campaign.
 
From 2003-07, Tinker was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Western Washington. He coached the tight ends from 2003-04 and the offensive line from 2005-06. He helped WWU win the GNAC crown in 2003 and in 2006 center Loren Winter received All-American recognition.
 
Prior to joining the college ranks, Tinker spent four seasons at Meridian High School in Bellingham from 1999-2002. The Trojans won the Class 2A State Championship in 1999 and placed second in 2000.
 
Tinker played his college ball for WWU from 1995-98. In 1995 & 1996, the Vikings won the Conference Championship. They finished 1996 as the NAIA National Runner-Up. He was a two-year letterwinner and was named the team's Most Inspirational Award Winner in 1998.
 
Tinker received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Master's of Teaching from WWU in 1998 and 2008, respectively. He is married to Marnie and and they reside in Ellensburg. They have two children, Joey and Julianna.