He is recognized as one of the top defensive minds ever in college football.He has served on six SEC coaching staffs, Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama, Arkansas,  LSU, and South Carolina.  He has been the defensive coordinator at several other schools including Memphis and Southern Mississippi.


This legend, John Thompson, recently visited his friend, Hugh Freeze at Lambuth University for a day with the Lambuth coaching  staff  to  share some of his knowledge of football.   As a defensive coordinator, Thompson's units led their respective conferences in total defense  three different  times. Over 40  of his defensive players were drafted or signed with National Football teams, 40 earned all-conference honors, and five were named All-America.

Coach Hugh Freeze commented on Coach Thompson's visit. " We are really pleased Coach Thompson could visit with us and for a few hours share with us his vast knowledge of the game. He is a defensive mastermind. He is a great man and a great friend."

Coach Thompson enjoyed his visit to Lambuth. " I met Hugh when I was at Memphis and he was winning championships at Briarcrest. He is a great coach and a super person. I respect him and admire what he stands for. He is a godly man who the players and fans  will love. I tried to share with the coaches how important it is to have everyone pulling together in the right direction. Tom Allen will do a great job with the defense and Hugh's offense will move the ball and score points." Coach Thompson added, " Hugh will accomplish some great things at Lambuth. It will take some time to put his new systems in place but it will be exciting for the Lambuth family. I look forward to watching his team play."