University of Richmond Athletics
Huesman Accepts Position As UTC Head Coach
12/22/2008 | Football
Dec. 22, 2008
RICHMOND, Va. - Richmond defensive coordinator Russ Huesman has accepted the position of head coach at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. The announcement was made Monday, three days after he helped the Spiders claim the National Championship on the home field of his alma mater.
Huesman - a 1982 UTC alum - has spent the last five seasons at Richmond, molding one of the top defensive units in the Football Championship Subdivision. On its way to the 2008 National Championship - the school's first NCAA championship in any sport -- Richmond finished second nationally in turnover margin (+24), sixth nationally in scoring defense (15.6), 10th nationally in total defense (268.8) and held 12 of 16 opponents to less than 100 yards rushing.
"Obviously we are disappointed to lose such a great person and a great coach," said Richmond head coach Mike London. "But I'm extremely happy for Russ and his family and this is a tremendous opportunity to return to his alma mater. Russ has been an integral part of our success here at Richmond."
Huesman's unit led CAA Football in nearly every defensive category this season, including a team-record 29 interceptions. On the biggest stages and in front of national TV audiences, the Spiders dismantled three-time defending champion Appalachian State, 33-13, and bottled up Montana, 24-7, in the title game.
Richmond forced the Mountaineers into seven turnovers, including five interceptions of Walter Payton Award winner Armanti Edwards, while the Grizzlies were held to their lowest point total in two years.
The last four years have seen Huesman mentor 20 All-Conference selections, including 2008 CAA First Team picks Lawrence Sidbury, Jr. (senior DE), Eric McBride (sophomore LB) and Justin Rogers (sophomore CB).
Huesman was a four-year starter in the secondary for the Mocs. He spent a year there as an assistant coach, two years at South Carolina, 14 seasons at William & Mary, then six years at Memphis before arriving at Richmond.
UTC will be his first head-coaching position.
"Russ and I have been close friends in this profession for nearly 20 years," said London. "UTC made the right choice and I wish him all the best."
A search will begin immediately for Huesman's successor.
