Zion Tupuola-Fetui, one of the most productive edge rushers Washington has seen in recent decades, is beginning the next phase of his football career on the sidelines. Known throughout Husky circles as “ZTF,” the former standout has secured his first coaching position, joining the University of Idaho staff as a defensive assistant under head coach Thomas Ford Jr.
In announcing the hire, Ford expressed enthusiasm about adding a familiar and accomplished face to his staff. “We are really excited to bring Zion on our staff,” Ford said in a statement released by the Idaho Vandals. “We spent time together when he played at Washington, where he had a phenomenal career. I am excited to see him have that same success in the future coaching profession. He will bring great knowledge of pass rush, and his experience will help both of our defensive line coaches and, most importantly, our players.”
Ford and Tupuola-Fetui crossed paths in Seattle during their time with the Huskies. Ford served on the Washington staff as an offensive quality control coordinator while ZTF was wreaking havoc off the edge. A Seattle native, Ford has long-standing ties to the region, having coached high school football in Tacoma before advancing to the collegiate level.
Tupuola-Fetui’s playing career at Washington spanned six seasons, all with the Huskies. Taking advantage of a redshirt year and the additional COVID eligibility, he suited up from 2018 through 2023 and finished his career with 16 sacks. His breakout came in 2020, when he earned First Team All Pac-12 honors and was named a Second Team All-American after posting seven sacks and emerging as one of the most disruptive defenders in the country.
Injuries slowed him in subsequent seasons, though he still managed to contribute during his junior and senior years. While he never recaptured the explosive sack totals from his breakout campaign, he remained a steady presence along the defensive front.
After failing to gain traction with NFL teams, Tupuola-Fetui signed with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2024. Coaching, however, always seemed to be his long-term calling. Now, with the Idaho Vandals, ZTF is set to begin a new journey, passing along his knowledge and experience to the next generation of defenders.