SFU Clan tab Sweeney as defensive coordinator

Burnaby, B.C. – Simon Fraser University Clan head coach Dave Johnson announced today that Richard Sweeney has joined the program as the full-time defensive coordinator. Sweeney replaces Jordan Malone, who was released from his position following the 2010 season.

Sweeney joins SFU after spending last season as the defensive line and special teams coach at Humboldt State. At Humboldt, Sweeney guided HSU defensive linemen Andrew Iupati and Justin Hornsby to First Team GNAC All-Star awards, while the Lumberjacks were first in the GNAC in both kickoff and punt return averages. Sweeney joined the Lumberjacks in 2010 following five seasons as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

“Richard brings an incredible amount of experience to this position, his knowledge is invaluable,” said Johnson of hiring Sweeney. “I can already see how he will make an impact on this program, I’m excited to start working with him.”

Prior to his tenure at NSU, Sweeney served as the defensive coordinator at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for two years. His previous stops included Western Washington University in 1987 and 2001, St. Mary of the Plains from 1988 to 1991, Texas A&M Kingsville in 1992, Western State (CO) in 1993-2000 and Southwest Texas State in 2002.

“I’m ready to get started, I’m excited about the opportunity here, and already I can tell that the players are ready to go to work,” said Sweeney.

In his collegiate career, Sweeney was a defensive back at Santa Clara University, earning a BA degree in English in 1978. He earned his Masters Degree in Secondary Education Administration from Western Washington University in 1988.

By:
Scott McLean

Simon Fraser University Clan Athletics