Richardson Hired As Redbird Football Defensive Backs Coach

NORMAL, Ill. – ISU head coach Brock Spack has filled a vacancy on his coaching staff with the hiring of Dru Richardson, who joins the Redbird Football staff as an assistant coach working with the defensive backs. Richardson will work alongside veteran Redbird assistant coach Cody Deti to mentor the ISU defensive backfield.

Richardson comes to Illinois State from Elmhurst University, where he spent the past two seasons as the defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach. 

"Dru comes to us highly recommended from coaches we know and trust at Elmhurst and Illinois Wesleyan," Spack stated. "As a former collegiate defensive back, he brings knowledge to the position and his experience as a defensive play-caller will only help what we are trying to do in the secondary. His familiarity with the Chicago recruiting landscape is also a big plus for our program, as we focus heavily on that area every year to bolster our team. We look forward to having Dru as part of our defensive coaching staff and are excited about the enthusiasm he will bring to the program."

Richardson came to Elmhurst following one season as the defensive backs coach and academic coordinator at Illinois Wesleyan. Richardson also made stops at Berry College from 2020-22 as a defensive backs and strength and conditioning coach, at Ohio Northern from 2018-20 as safeties coach, and at Roosevelt University as a graduate assistant from 2016-18.

"I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the coaching staff at Illinois State," Richardson said. "This is a program with a rich tradition and history, and I'm looking forward to contributing to its continued success. I can't wait to get to work with the student-athletes and help them grow both on and off the field."

A four-year letterwinner at Robert Morris University (currently Roosevelt University) from 2012-2016, Richardson was a member of the NAIA's top rushing defense in 2014 as a defensive back, allowing 75.8 rushing yards per game and leading his team to a 29-14 record in his time at Robert Morris. 

Richardson owns a bachelor's degree in business administration from Robert Morris, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a member of the Sigma Beta Delta honor society. He also holds a master's degree in management with a sports administration concentration from Roosevelt University.

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