U.S. Merchant Marine Academy 16th-year head football coach Mike Toop '77 announced that Rich Reichert will re-join his coaching staff as the Mariners' next defensive coordinator and secondary coach ahead of the upcoming 2020 season. Reichert officially came on board "virtually" on Monday, July 6, 2020.
"We are excited to have Coach Reichert back at the Academy," said Toop. "He has spent the last seven seasons at SUNY Stony Brook and has contributed to their success, which includes multiple appearances in the NCAA Division I FSC Playoffs. His familiarity with the Academy and our Mission, coupled with his experience and personal qualities, will enhance the leadership and educational experience of the Midshipmen and our student-athletes."
Reichert was last on the Kings Point sideline for the 2012 season, coaching the defensive backs and helping the Mariners to a 5-5 record. His first coaching job was at Rutgers University in 2010, where he helped with the Scarlet Knights' player development. Reichert then moved on to Western Michigan as a graduate assistant coach for the Broncos' cornerbacks and rovers for the 2011 season while also earning his master's degree.
He spent the last seven years at Stony Brook, coaching the cornerbacks from 2013-2016, before also adding the safeties to his workload in 2017. For the past two seasons he coached both the safeties and rovers. He helped the Seawolves to back-to-back FCS Playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018.
While at SBU, Reichert contributed to the defensive unit that ranked first in the FCS in total defense and passing yards allowed per game in 2015; fifth in total defense in 2016; third in total defense in 2017; and first in the FCS with six defensive touchdowns in 2018.
"First, I would like to thank Coach Toop, Athletic Director Kristofer Schnatz and the entire administration for the opportunity to return to the United States Merchant Marine Academy," said Reichert. "The Merchant Marine Academy has always been a special place to me, and even while I was gone I was able to continue and cultivate relationships with former players and coaches, which made this a phenomenal opportunity to return. I am also extremely grateful for my time at Stony Brook University, where I was able to learn from some incredible football coaches, players and people. I can't wait to use some of those lessons learned to positively impact the young men and women at the Academy. I am honored to be a Mariner once again. Beat Coast Guard!"
A 2009 graduate from American International College with a degree in Criminal Justice, Reichert went on to earn his master's from Western Michigan in Coaching/Sports Performance in 2012. He played linebacker during his time at AIC. In 2008, he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to a Northeast 10 Conference Championship and a berth into the NCAA Division II playoffs. He led the team in tackles and earned Second Team All-Conference honors. In 2009, he was named team captain and was AIC's Defensive MVP. Reichert was also a member of the lacrosse team, winning the Unsung Hero award in 2010.
A native of Nesconset, Long Island, Reichert played high school football under his father, long-time Saint Anthony's head coach Rich Reichert Sr. He currently resides in Port Jefferson, N.Y.
