
ACU Football announces four assistant coaches
2/23/2022 4:48:00 PM | Football
ABILENE, Texas – The ACU football program and head coach Keith Patterson have announced the addition of assistants Cole Thomas, Koy Richardson, Chance Rieken and Drew Cunningham to the football staff for the upcoming season.
Drew Cunningham, senior defensive analyst
Cunningham has spent the last three seasons in the high school ranks, coaching linebackers and assisting with strength and conditioning at Anna High School in Anna, Texas and Coronado High School in Lubbock. He spent four years in charge of defensive quality control at Texas Tech, where he coached current Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks and was responsible for recruiting operations, video breakdowns, and weekly scouting reports.
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to be joining Coach Patterson's staff at Abilene Christian. I'm fired up to get to Abilene and get to work," Cunningham said. "My family and I are very excited to be a part of the Abilene community."
Koy Richardson, defensive graduate assistant
Richardson spent five years as a respected player within the Wildcat program, and he is coming off a senior season in which he served as team captain and came away with two fumble recoveries. A native of Angleton, Texas, Richardson has played nickel, safety and corner for ACU, and he has also been an active member of the team's Leadership Council since 2018.
"Coach Patterson giving me this opportunity to start my coaching career means a lot to me," Richardson said. "Being able to be in a position to impact the lives of many people excites me. I'm ready to get to work."
Cole Thomas, offensive graduate assistant
A 2021 graduate of Texas Tech, Thomas served as a student assistant with Red Raiders, working primarily with quarterbacks and the offensive line. His on-field responsibilities included signaling in plays to the offense, providing instruction to position groups and scout team, and charting games for the offense.
"I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to join the ACU football program," Thomas said. "I look forward to working with our players as well and staff."
Chance Rieken, offensive quality control
Rieken, a former Wildcat offensive lineman, has helped coach the same position at Angelo State, Northwestern Oklahoma State and Mary Hardin-Baylor since his days in the Purple and White. He brings with him recruiting experience in Waco, Austin and San Antonio, has coordinated team community service projects, has assisted in film breakdown.
"I'm thankful for Coach Patterson giving me an opportunity to be back at my Alma Mater," Reiken said. "I'm very excited and ready to get to work."
Current ACU Football staff:
Season tickets for the 2022 campaign are on sale at ACUSports.com/Tickets, and the schedule will feature five games at Wildcat Stadium. Stay tuned to ACUSports.com and ACU Football social media for more news and updates regarding all things Wildcat Football.
Drew Cunningham, senior defensive analyst
Cunningham has spent the last three seasons in the high school ranks, coaching linebackers and assisting with strength and conditioning at Anna High School in Anna, Texas and Coronado High School in Lubbock. He spent four years in charge of defensive quality control at Texas Tech, where he coached current Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks and was responsible for recruiting operations, video breakdowns, and weekly scouting reports.
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to be joining Coach Patterson's staff at Abilene Christian. I'm fired up to get to Abilene and get to work," Cunningham said. "My family and I are very excited to be a part of the Abilene community."
Koy Richardson, defensive graduate assistant
Richardson spent five years as a respected player within the Wildcat program, and he is coming off a senior season in which he served as team captain and came away with two fumble recoveries. A native of Angleton, Texas, Richardson has played nickel, safety and corner for ACU, and he has also been an active member of the team's Leadership Council since 2018.
"Coach Patterson giving me this opportunity to start my coaching career means a lot to me," Richardson said. "Being able to be in a position to impact the lives of many people excites me. I'm ready to get to work."
Cole Thomas, offensive graduate assistant
A 2021 graduate of Texas Tech, Thomas served as a student assistant with Red Raiders, working primarily with quarterbacks and the offensive line. His on-field responsibilities included signaling in plays to the offense, providing instruction to position groups and scout team, and charting games for the offense.
"I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to join the ACU football program," Thomas said. "I look forward to working with our players as well and staff."
Chance Rieken, offensive quality control
Rieken, a former Wildcat offensive lineman, has helped coach the same position at Angelo State, Northwestern Oklahoma State and Mary Hardin-Baylor since his days in the Purple and White. He brings with him recruiting experience in Waco, Austin and San Antonio, has coordinated team community service projects, has assisted in film breakdown.
"I'm thankful for Coach Patterson giving me an opportunity to be back at my Alma Mater," Reiken said. "I'm very excited and ready to get to work."
Current ACU Football staff:
- Keith Patterson, head coach
- Jordan Seawright, chief of staff
- Landon Autrey, football operations
- Corey Smith, strength and conditioning
- Reid Miller, strength and conditioning
- Stephen Lee, offensive coordinator
- Skyler Cassity, defensive coordinator
- Matt Clark, special teams coordinator/tight ends
- Julian Wilson, defensive backs
- Conor Dubin, outside linebackers
- Shannon Carter, inside linebackers
- Steven Thrash, wide receivers
- Jerale Badon, running backs
- Ryan Pugh, offensive line
- Dan Phillips, defensive line
Season tickets for the 2022 campaign are on sale at ACUSports.com/Tickets, and the schedule will feature five games at Wildcat Stadium. Stay tuned to ACUSports.com and ACU Football social media for more news and updates regarding all things Wildcat Football.
#GoWildcats
Players Mentioned
ACU Football: Sam Hicks Prepares for Canadian Football League Debut
Tuesday, June 09
ACU Baseball: Rick McCarty Press Conference | May 11, 2026
Tuesday, May 12
ACU Baseball: Senior Day Ceremony | May 9, 2026
Saturday, May 09
ACU Softball: Jo Koons Press Conference | May 4, 2026
Monday, May 04












