McLean County Times

ISU head coach Brock Spack has announced the hiring of Dru Richardson as an assistant coach for the Redbird Football team, focusing on defensive backs. Richardson will collaborate with veteran assistant coach Cody Deti to guide the ISU defensive backfield.

Richardson joins Illinois State from Elmhurst University, where he served as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for two seasons. "Dru comes to us highly recommended from coaches we know and trust at Elmhurst and Illinois Wesleyan," Spack said. "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."

Before his tenure at Elmhurst, Richardson was a defensive backs coach and academic coordinator at Illinois Wesleyan for one season. He has also worked at Berry College from 2020-22 as a defensive backs and strength and conditioning coach, Ohio Northern from 2018-20 as safeties coach, and 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 expressed. "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."

Richardson was a four-year letterwinner at Robert Morris University (now Roosevelt University) from 2012-2016. He played on NAIA's top rushing defense in 2014, allowing just 75.8 rushing yards per game, contributing to his team's 29-14 record during his time there.

He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Robert Morris, graduating Summa Cum Laude while being part of Sigma Beta Delta honor society. Additionally, he earned a master's degree in management with a sports administration concentration from Roosevelt University.

GoRedbirds.com remains your source for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia content, Redbird merchandise, photos, and more.