CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago State University Athletics has announced the hiring of
Arthur Ray Jr. as the program's first-ever Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator, bringing a nationally respected teacher, developer, and rising coaching talent to the Cougars' football staff.
Ray joins Chicago State after a successful tenure at Howard University, where he served as Offensive Line Coach and played a pivotal role in elevating the Bison's front line into one of the most productive units in the MEAC. During his time at Howard, Ray oversaw player development in both the run and pass game and recruited key regions across the country, including Delaware, Louisiana, Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, and San Antonio, Texas.
Under Ray's leadership, Howard produced multiple All-MEAC selections in consecutive seasons. In 2023, four linemen—
Anim Dankwah, Deshawn Ingram, Da'Metris Weatherspoon, and Darius Fox—earned All-MEAC honors. In 2024, Ray coached
Darius Fox and
Tim Artis Jr. to additional All-MEAC recognition.
Ray also coached several players to national acclaim, including
Dankwah, Ingram, and Weatherspoon, who were named to the BOXTOROW HBCU All-American Team. His development pipeline extended to the professional level as well—Dankwah participated in the East-West Shrine Game, earned an NFL Combine invitation, and ultimately signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent.
A Chicago native, Ray brings deep ties to the city and Midwest region. Before his collegiate coaching rise, he served as Head Football Coach at Curie Metropolitan High School, overseeing all football and administrative operations for the program.
Ray's coaching resume also includes roles at the University of Arkansas (Offensive Line Analyst/Quality Control), Northwood University (Offensive Line Coach/Recruiting Coordinator), and multiple NFL organizations through the prestigious
Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship, including the Washington Commanders (2024), Green Bay Packers (2023), Jacksonville Jaguars (2022), and Los Angeles Rams (2020).
In recognition of his leadership and trajectory in the profession, Ray was selected to the
2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, one of the nation's premier development programs for rising coaches.
Ray is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, followed by Sports Management studies at Fort Lewis College.
"Arthur is a builder—of players, of culture, and of relationships," said Head Football Coach Bobby Rome II.
"His track record speaks for itself, and we're thrilled to welcome him home to Chicago State."
Ray expressed enthusiasm about joining the Cougars during a historic period of growth for the university's athletics department.
"It's an honor to return to my hometown and help lay the groundwork for something special at Chicago State," Ray said.
"I'm committed to developing our student-athletes on and off the field and building an offensive line unit that reflects the toughness and pride of this city."
Chicago State Football continues preparations for its inaugural Division I season with the first home game being played on August 29, 2026 against Roosevelt University.
