Jody Owens earned his Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Washington’s Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL) program in 2018. Since then, he has built a career as both a collegiate and professional football coach. We recently reconnected with Jody to hear about his IAL experience and the insights he’s gained throughout his coaching career.
Q: Tell us about your current role and what drives your passion for working in athletics.
A: I’m currently the Assistant Head Coach and Linebackers Coach at Montana State University, which is both my undergraduate and graduate alma mater. It’s incredible to be back here. What drives my passion is people; being able to help them grow and develop at the highest levels, and witnessing their journey from where they start to where they end up. That’s what gives me the energy to wake up every morning and give my all to those I have the opportunity to impact.
Q: What motivated you to pursue the IAL M.Ed. program?
A: A big part of it was Coach Chris Petersen. He did an outstanding job ensuring his graduate assistants were part of the program. I held the program in high regard because of everything it offered, from the flexibility during the summer to the rigorous workload that pushed us to think critically as coaches and administrators. Coach Petersen saw it as a valuable development opportunity and gave us the time to pursue it. When I joined the University of Washington as a graduate assistant and transitioned into the program, it was an amazing experience. We were challenged daily, both in the classroom and during the summers, and we had opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, from athletic directors to professors. It really broadened my perspective.
Q: What were your goals going into the IAL M.Ed. program?
A: My goal was to continue growing in athletics, and the program definitely put me on the cutting edge. I still use many of the concepts I learned in the UW IAL program in my preparation and teaching methods. My ultimate goal has always been to be the best I can be and eventually become a head coach. I’ve served as an interim head coach, which was a challenge in itself. I’m grateful to be at Montana State now, working with one of the best head coaches at this level and learning from him. Hopefully, that helps me reach my goals. But for me, it always comes back to the team more than personal ambition.
Q: Is there an experience from the IAL M.Ed. program that still influences your work today?
A: There are many lessons, but what stands out most is the people I was able to surround myself with. Cody Hawkins, now the Head Coach at Idaho State, and I teamed up often. It’s great to see him doing what he set out to do. Tyler Osborne, now the Receivers Coach at Stanford, and Terrence Brown, the Defensive Coordinator at Cal, we worked together daily. The relationships I built gave me a network to bounce ideas off and connect with like-minded, high-achieving individuals.
Q: How have you stayed in touch with your cohort over the years?
A: I see Cody Hawkins one Saturday each fall, so we always catch up then. We also connect during the offseason. It’s the same with Tyler Osborne. We reconnect after the season to share what worked, what didn’t, and different perspectives. Terrence Brown and I spent a weekend together at the NFL Combine. Interestingly, Cal ended up bringing over a player from Montana State, which was cool. You never want to lose your players, but if you do, it’s nice to see them go to someone you trust to continue their development. It’s just another example of how everything comes full circle.
Q: What makes the IAL M.Ed. program a valuable step for individuals pursuing a career in athletics?
A: The most obvious value is the network. The UW IAL program is second to none. You’re surrounded by high-achieving individuals who are driven and committed to excellence. That kind of environment strengthens your network, people you can connect with to help elevate your career. You’re also going to be challenged academically. The program has a rigorous academic component that ensures everyone has the opportunity to grow. It’s the best of both worlds: networking and academics. From mental health and email communication to research, presentations, and budgeting, the program prepares you for everything you’ll encounter in administration or coaching.
