CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago State University Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of
Richard Embry as the program's first-ever Director of Football Operations and Linebackers Coach. Embry brings more than a decade of coaching experience across the collegiate landscape, along with a reputation for energy, leadership, and a deep commitment to developing the next generation of student-athletes.
Embry joins the Cougars after serving in key defensive and operational roles at multiple programs nationwide, including Rochester Community and Technical College, Simpson University, Langston University, Northeastern A&M, and East Texas Baptist University. His background spans defensive coordination, player development, academic support, recruiting operations, and program administration, making him an ideal fit to help build the foundation of Chicago State Football.
"
I strive to elevate and impact the next generation every day," Embry said, reflecting the coaching philosophy outlined in his resume. "
I'm honored to join Chicago State and contribute to a program that building something for the future."
Embry's coaching journey includes significant responsibilities across multiple levels of college football, demonstrating his ability to lead, organize, and elevate entire units:
- Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers / Defensive Backs – Rochester Community & Technical College (Jan. 2025–Jan. 2026)
- Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers – Simpson University (2024)
- Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers – Langston University (2023)
- Defensive Line / Run Game Coordinator / Recruiting Coordinator / Academics – Langston University (2022)
- Linebackers Coach – Northeastern A&M Junior College (2021–2022)
- Special Teams Coordinator / Assistant DC / Defensive Backs – Vermilion Community College (2019–2020)
- Defensive Line / Academic Coordinator – East Texas Baptist University (2018–2019)
- Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers – Green Oaks High School (2016–2018)
- Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers – A Plus Academy (2015–2016)
- Defensive Line Graduate Assistant – Langston University (2014–2015)
- Student Assistant (DL/LB) – Southwestern Assemblies of God University (2012–2014)
Across these roles, Embry has overseen defensive units, coordinated practice and game-day operations, managed equipment, supported academic progress, and assisted with compliance and eligibility—skills that directly align with his new responsibilities at Chicago State.
Embry holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Development and an Associate of Arts in Bible from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., where he embraces the core values of servanthood and leadership.
His qualifications include:
- Expertise coaching linebackers, defensive line, tight ends, and fullbacks
- Extensive experience in game planning, film breakdown, and player development
- Strong background in academic coordination and student-athlete support
- Knowledge of NCAA and NAIA rules and regulations
- Membership in the Oklahoma Coaches Association and Texas High School Coaches Association
- Community engagement experience, including work with the Salvation Army supporting student-athletes
Building the Operational Backbone of Chicago State Football
In his new role, Embry will oversee the day-to-day logistics of the football program—including travel, equipment, scheduling, academic coordination, and operational planning—while also assisting in the development of the Cougars' linebacker corps.
