He went to Portland State after serving in a similar role at Central Washington from 2011-14. In 2013, his Wildcat special teams ranked fifth nationally in punt return defense, 11th in kick return average and 13th in kick coverage. The 2014 team led the nation in kick return average (25.7) and 18th in punt return average (14.4).
Before joining the Central Washington’s staff, he was the offensive coordinator at Montana Western in 2010, and Idaho State’s special teams recruiting and summer coordinator from 2003-10.
His 2010 special teams unit was the top overall unit in the Big Sky Conference after leading the league net punting, kick return defense and punt returns, and finishing second in kick returns.
He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Bengals, working with the running backs and special teams, from 2001-2002.
Whitworth also played at Idaho State, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference honors as a running back and kick returner. He earned bachelor’s degree in business administration and business finance at Idaho State in 2001.