ERIE, Pa. -- Following the retirement of Marty Schaetzle after this season, a familiar face will take over the Laker football program as Assistant Head Coach Ryan Riemedio was named the next head coach Tuesday night.
Riemedio enters his tenth season on the Mercyhurst staff and his second as the team's defensive coordinator.
"When you lose an incredible leader like Marty, it is critical that his successor can build on the program's success and take it to another level," said Director of Athletics Brad Davis. "Ryan Riemedio is that person, leader and coach. The outpouring of support for Ryan from our alumni, student-athletes and coaches across the nation was impressive, but it is the strength of his internal and external relationships, his recruiting talents, and his coaching reputation that made him the obvious replacement. Ryan has the combination of skill and leadership to move our program forward and represent Mercyhurst proudly."
Riemedio joined the Mercyhurst football coaching staff in 2012 as a graduate assistant working with tight ends, fullbacks and assisting with the offensive line. He also served as the team's strength and conditioning coordinator.
After two years as a GA, Riemedio was elevated to defensive line coach in 2014. Prior to the 2016 season, Riemedio participated in the Bill Walsh Minority Fellowship Program with the Super Bowl LII Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
"Ryan has done all the right things both intentionally and by habit to prepare himself to be a successful head coach," said head coach Marty Schaetzle. "He has the combination of developing great relationships with people and football knowledge."
In 2019, Riemedio was again elevated as the Lakers Assistant Head Coach, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank President Getz, VP of Student Life Dr. Laura Zirkle, and our Athletic Director Brad Davis for this special opportunity to become the next head football coach here at Mercyhurst University," said Riemedio. "Thank you to all the groups that I had the opportunity to interview with during this process. A special thank you to Head Coach Marty Schaetzle for allowing me to grow under his tutelage and showing me the way. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my fiancé Morgan, my daughter Amelia, and my family back home in California and Syracuse for believing in me and supporting me throughout this opportunity."
More than just being involved on the football field, Riemedio holds seats on multiple committees across the Mercyhurst campus. He served on the Presidential Search Committee, the Equity, Inclusion and Justice Initiative Committee and Mercyhurst BEYOND Scholarships Committee.
He is also a member of the Staff Senate. He chairs the AthL.E.A.D. (Learn, Educate & Advocate for Diversity) Student-Athlete committee.
"The opportunity to become a head football coach has always been a dream of mine. Being able to become a head coach at any level is a special and major accomplishment for any coach," Riemedio said. "To have the opportunity to serve and foster student-athletes as a coach is special but to now do it in a head coaching role is a dream come true. It is especially exciting to become the next head coach for Mercyhurst University. In 10 years here on campus, I have laid my foundation and rooted myself as I grew in the roles from Graduate Assistant to Full-Time Assistant to Assistant Head Coach with coordinating roles in Recruiting, Strength & Conditioning, Compliance, and the Defense. Over the last 10 years, the football program, athletic department, and university have become my family, so to be named the next head coach is not only a huge accomplishment but a true honor."
What they are saying:
"I always knew Ryan had the gift of leadership and coaching when he first played for me. Mercyhurst is truly blessed to have a man of great character like Ryan leading their program. Ryan truly cares and loves the young men he works with. Not only does he coach these young men but more importantly he inspires, motivates and impacts their lives and reminds them of their purpose and calling, like he found his purpose to be leader of men." -Alfred Avila, Seaside High School Head Football Coach
"Congratulations to Mercyhurst University and the athletic department on the hiring of Ryan Riemedio to lead their football program! I was very fortunate to have Ryan as a coach during my time at Mercyhurst and saw first-hand how his strong work ethic, diverse football knowledge, and genuine passion for the game helped build a winning culture. He is an outstanding person, teacher and leader with a natural ability to relate to his players and motivate them towards a common goal. Ryan positively impacted my life and I'm confident he will continue to elevate all members of the program moving forward. The Lakers are in good hands with Ryan Remedio as their head football coach!" -Joe Dever '16 Scouting Assistant Cleveland Browns
"I am thrilled for Ryan and this deserving opportunity in front of him at Mercyhurst University. He has been outstanding in his previous roles on the Laker staff. Ryan is a first-class individual who deeply cares about the development of his student-athletes and is focused on every way in which he can improve his team. I am excited for Ryan to lead the Lakers and continue to build a culture of success and integrity." -Andrew Janocko Quarterbacks Coach Minnesota Vikings
"I always admired the passion, energy, and intensity Coach Riemedio has brought to the Mercyhurst Football Program over the last decade. It is exciting that Ryan will be given the opportunity to continue to build on the foundation that Coach Schaetzle, Coach Kimball, Coach Chapman, Coach Brasington and Coach DeMeo established on the "Hill"." - John Langer '94 Football Alumnus & Board of Trustees Member
"Ryan Riemedio is a stellar human being. He is as strong as the day is long. Ryan has always been a wonderful father and family man. His football knowledge, experiences, loyalty, relationship skills, and work ethic will lead him to great success at Mercyhurst." -Mike Rasmussen, Retired Monterey Peninsula College Head Football Coach
"I'm super excited for the future of Laker Football. Coach Ryan Riemedio has proven his loyalty and dedication to the program for more than a decade. His passion for the game and for Mercyhurst is unparalleled. Coach Riemedio embodies the Carpe Diem spirit and he is completely aligned with the Mission of our University." -John Saxon '89, Football Alumnus & Board of Trustees Member
