Recognized as one of the most successful cross country coaches in the United States.  During his tenure, the Gonzaga program has evolved into one of the top 10 Division 1 programs in the West. Under his coaching, the Zags have made first-ever appearances at national championships, had program-best finishes at conference and regional championships, and received several prestigious academic honors. 

Before accepting his position with Gonzaga, Tyson held similar positions at the University of Oregon and University of Kentucky and spent 20 years at Mead High School in Washington State while developing it into a distance running powerhouse.

During Tyson's time of coaching at Mead, the Harriers achieved an impressive record of 180-8 in one of the toughest dual-meet leagues in the nation. Reaching state competition 18 consecutive years to win 12 state titles, they never placed worse than third. During that time, the Harriers had a nine-year streak when they never lost a competition. In his last three years at Mead, Tyson's teams placed third, fourth, and fifth at the Nike Team National Championships held in Portland, Oregon.