University of Richmond Athletics
Jeff Hanson Announces Retirement From Football
08/17/2022 | Football
RICHMOND, Va. – University of Richmond football head coach Russ Huesman announced that defensive tackles coach Jeff Hanson has decided to retire from coaching after over 50 years at the collegiate level. Hanson's coaching career spans over five decades, starting in 1971 upon graduation and encompassing two NCAA FCS National Championships (2008 Richmond, 2016 James Madison).
"While I am sorry to see Jeff step down from coaching, I support his decision to head into retirement," Huesman said. "Coach Hanson has been a staple in college football for over 50 years and we are grateful for his dedication to the University of Richmond. We will miss him, but we support his decision and wish him well in retirement."
Hanson, a University of Richmond alum, was in his 32nd season coaching at Richmond. He coached with the Spiders over four different stints (1971-79, 1989-06, 2008-09, 2020-22) during his lengthy career.
Hanson spent two seasons (2018-19) as the defensive line coach at East Carolina. Prior to ECU, he coached at James Madison (2016-17) where he led a group that included seven All-Colonial Athletic Association selections and a National Defensive Player of the Year award winner.
Hanson's defensive line was part of the Dukes' No. 1 national ranked defense in four defensive categories in 2017 – scoring (11.1 ppg), interceptions (31), pass efficiency defense (83.12) and turnovers gained (44). His defensive line accounted for 33.5 sacks that season. Hanson helped the 2016 defense rank eighth nationally in turnover margin and 16th in scoring defense (21.2 ppg) while helping James Madison win the 2016 National Championship.
Hanson also worked at JMU for one season (2013) before coaching one year at Ferrum College (2014) and one season at Virginia State (2015). Hanson spent three seasons as the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Virginia (2010-12). In his final year with the Cavaliers, he was elevated to assistant head coach and head of recruiting. His 2011 and 2012 recruiting classes ranked in the top-30 nationally in FBS.
Hanson's previous stint at Richmond came in 2008-09, where was part of the Spiders' 2008 national championship team and 2009 CAA co-championship squad.
Hanson had two other stints with the Spiders, coaching from 1989-2006 and 1971-79. He was on Dave Clawson's staff from 2004-06 coaching the defensive line that included three All-Conference selections. Aside from Richmond, Hanson also had coaching stops at VMI (2007), West Texas State (1987-88), Southwest Texas State (1983-86), Lamar (1982-83) and Marshall (1980-81).
A native of Beloit, Wisconsin, Hanson graduated from Richmond with a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's degree in education. As a player, he was a linebacker for the Spiders and part of the 1968 Tangerine Bowl championship team. He earned All-Big Eight Conference honors during his career.
After his playing days, Hanson remained with the Spiders as a graduate assistant, coaching the freshmen defensive lineman from 1971-73 while completing his degree programs. He was part of the 1971 Tangerine Bowl Team. He then earned his first full-time role with UR, working with the tight ends and receivers in his first season, and with the defense over the next four seasons.
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