Utah Tech University Athletics

John Hughes is in his fifth season with the Trailblazer Football Program, and is in his first season serving as Co-Offensive Coordinator as well as continuing to oversee the offensive line.

In 2022, Coach Hughes mentored an offensive line that helped produce the WAC’s top passing offense (310.36 ypg) and led the conference in passing touchdowns (28), and was second in the WAC in total offense (425.36 ypg). 

That Trailblazer offensive line also opened running lanes for the WAC’s leading rusher (Quali Conley 1,095 yds - UT school record/8 TDs).

In the program’s first FCS season in the spring of 2021, he coached an offensive line that surrendered only six sacks in 194 total pass attempts in five games, while the Blazer offense averaged 420.8 yards a game, including 122.4 yards rushing. 

In his first season with the Trailblazer program in 2019, Hughes led an offensive line that produces the Trailblazers’ career rushing touchdowns leader and provided protection for a Blazer passing game that set a program single-season record with 31 passing touchdowns. Additionally, three UT offensive linemen earned All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honors.

Hughes came to Utah Tech after serving as offensive line coach at Western Colorado during the 2018 season.

Prior to Western Colorado, Hughes served two years  (2016-18) as a graduate assistant on the offensive line at the University of Colorado. Hughes helped the Buffaloes to their most wins since 2001 during the 2016 season.

At CU, Hughes oversaw all breakdowns of opponents’ defensive schemes, specializing in their front seven, stunts, and pressures. Along with various other duties, Hughes prepared weekly scouting reports, oversaw individual position drill work with the offensive line and assisted in the recruitment of offensive linemen.

Hughes joined CU after a stint at the University of Akron, serving as a graduate assistant on defense working with the linebackers for the 2015 season. The previous two years (2013-14), he was a defensive assistant and the assistant defensive line coach for Sacramento State.

He started his coaching career at his alma mater, Humboldt State University, where he was the tight ends coach in 2012.

Hughes graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Humboldt State in 2012, earning All-GNAC Academic Team honors his junior and senior years. Prior to his time at HSU, he was a three-year starter on the offensive line after starting his collegiate career at Western Washington. 

He earned his Master’s degree in Sport Science and Coaching Administration at Akron in May 2016. John and his wife Kercia, are the parents of two children - daughter Ridgley, and son John.