REGINA -- Stefan Endsin is studying to become a high school teacher, but that is far from the only education in his future.

The 26-year-old will learn on the job after signing on to become the next offensive co-ordinator of the Regina Thunder. Endsin spent the last two seasons as the Prairie Football Conference team’s quarterbacks coach, but was promoted when Gerry Thompson stepped down.

“Stefan, having been a quarterback, had to be a little more in tune with the offence and have a better understanding than most,” said Thunder head coach Erwin Klempner. “He has learned how to work with some very competent people, done some very good things, and now it’s time to take it to another level.”

The Thunder now has two relatively young co-ordinators with Endsin handling the offence and 27-year-old Craig Zimmer leading the defence.

“I looked at the whole coaching staff and there’s a good mix we have,” said Endsin, who spent four years as the offensive co-ordinator with the Sheldon-Williams Spartans, helping them to a provincial 4A title in 2006. “There’s guys like Craig and myself, but then you’ve got guys that are helping us out like (offensive line coach) Sheldon Neald and (defensive backs coach) Shawn McCall that have been doing it a long time. Their influence helps us. I don’t think it’s a bad thing, us being young. As long as we have smart people who want to succeed, we’ll be fine.”

Endsin expects the Thunder offence will look similar to the one Thompson ran for three seasons, though the new co-ordinator fully expects to put his own spin on some things.

“I think there’s going to be influences from everybody that I have been around,” said Endsin. “Because Gerry was so involved before, we’re going to keep a lot of that, because it worked really, really well. I look back and I’ve been coached by (University of Regina Rams offensive co-ordinator) Bernie Schmidt, and others who have had influences on me, too. I realized a little while ago you have to keep learning and keep progressing, otherwise you’re just going to stagnate.”

One of the coaches that Endsin previously worked for also joined the Thunder staff. With Thompson moving on, former Sheldon head coach (and offensive co-ordinator in 2008) Kyle McFetridge will coach the Thunder’s running backs.

“He was the best coach in high school football last year — I don’t think there’s any doubt about it,” said Endsin.

As for Thompson, he began to realize during the 2008 season that he would be done with football — at least for awhile.

Thompson led the Thom Trojans to five provincial and eight city titles during 28 seasons with that team before joining the Thunder in 2006.

“It just stopped being as much fun as it used to be,” said Thompson, 59.

Thompson, who is also retired from his teaching job, has no immediate plans to go back to football, though he said he would serve as a guest coach at training camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders if the team asked him back for the third time.

“He’s a tremendous coach and spent a tremendous amount of time with the team and his offence,” said Klempner.

“We lose a lot of experience, but somehow, some way, we’re going to move on with youthful enthusiasm.”

The Thunder are holding three more offseason workouts (Feb. 22, March 8 and 22) for returning players and potential rookies before preparing for spring camp in early May.

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