Mike Banks begins his first season as Washington State’s cornerbacks coach on Head Coach Jimmy Rogers staff.
Banks spent the previous two seasons in a similar capacity on Rogers’ staff at South Dakota State. This past year, Banks guided a unit that contributed to a defense that finished first in scoring defense at 13.9 ppg, the second-straight season leading the nation, holding seven opponents to 10 points or less. Additionally, the Jackrabbits ranked fifth in FCS in total defense and 17th in passes intercepted (14).
Banks oversaw the development of First-Team All-American Dalys Beanum who registered 46 tackles, one interception and four pass breakups as one of the defensive leaders. On the other side, Colby Humphrey garnered All-MVFC Second-Team honors after collecting 40 tackles, one interception and five PBUs.
During the 2023 season, Banks mentored a group of cornerbacks who accounted for eight of the team's 19 interceptions — a total that ranked second in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Jackrabbits also led the FCS ranks in scoring defense (9.3 points per game), total defense (257.2 yards per game) and red-zone defense (.588).
Individually, Beanum earned honorable mention all-MVFC recognition and paced the Jackrabbits with five interceptions, including one in each of the team's playoff games en route to a second consecutive national title. The team's other starting corner, DyShawn Gales, was a second-team all-MVFC selection and later signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns.
Banks spent the previous five seasons (2018-22) as defensive backs coach at his alma mater and MVFC rival Illinois State. The 2019 edition of the Redbirds ranked third among Football Championship Subdivision teams with 19 interceptions while ranking No. 11 in total defense and setting a team record with 52 sacks. Under his guidance, two Redbird players earned all-MVFC recognition with safety Luther Kirk receiving All-America honors.
He later added the title of defensive associate head coach under Illinois State mentor Brock Spack.
In addition, Banks was selected to attend the 2022 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute and also served as a Bill Walsh Fellowship Coaching Intern with the Los Angeles Chargers in the summer of 2020.
Prior to joining the Illinois State staff full time, Banks worked two seasons with the Redbirds' football staff as a graduate manager, while working towards completion of his master’s degree.
As a player Banks was a four-year starter at cornerback for the Redbirds from 2011-14 and started all 50 career games in which he played. He earned second-team all-MVFC honors in 2014 and was instrumental in the Redbirds’ journey to the FCS National Championship game that season with 93 tackles and 19 passes defended (17 pass breakups, 2 interceptions). A member of the MVFC All-Newcomer Team in 2011 and an honorable mention all-league performer in 2012, Banks ranks No. 3 all-time at Illinois State in career passes defended with 46.
Banks received his bachelor’s degree in health education from Illinois State in December 2015 and his master’s degree in psychology of sport and physical activity from Illinois State in May 2018.
