Aaron Best is the head football coach at Eastern Washington University, a program he has been deeply connected to for nearly three decades. A former player for the Eagles, Best joined the program as a freshman in 1996 and later transitioned into coaching, steadily rising through the ranks before becoming head coach in 2017. His tenure has been marked by sustained success, including a Big Sky Conference co-championship and a trip to the NCAA Division I FCS National Championship Game in 2018, a season in which he was named Big Sky Co-Coach of the Year. Known for his offensive expertise, his teams have consistently ranked among the top in the FCS in total offense and scoring.
Before taking over as head coach, Best spent 16 years as an assistant, including roles as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, and was part of the staff that led Eastern Washington to the 2010 FCS National Championship. Across his long association with the program as a player, assistant, and head coach, he has contributed to multiple conference titles, playoff appearances, and the development of numerous All-Americans and professional players. A Tacoma native, Best was also a standout student-athlete, earning all-conference and academic honors during his playing career. His leadership emphasizes both athletic excellence and academic achievement, with the program consistently performing well in the classroom and maintaining strong community engagement.
