Dru Richardson is in his first season an assistant coach working with the Redbird defensive backs in 2025. Richardson works alongside veteran Redbird assistant coach Cody Deti to mentor the ISU defensive backfield.

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

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.

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.