Rockford University

Riley Swanson was hired as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Rockford University football program in July 2023. Swanson brings a myriad of coaching experience to the Regent sideline, as he spent the previous six years coaching at all three NCAA levels.  

Just prior to arriving at Rockford, Coach Swanson spent time at Tennessee State University (D1) and Limestone University (D2). Swanson served as the interim director of football operations and director of recruiting at Tennessee State and the special teams coordinator and secondary coach at Limestone University, where he helped the Saints qualify for the NCAA Division II Playoffs. 

Swanson's most recent NCAA Division III coaching stint came at St. Norbert College, where he served as the Green Knights' Defensive Coordinator for two years. In 2021, St. Norbert had the #1 scoring defense in the NACC, holding opponents to just 20.6 points per game. The Green Knights also ranked in the top 11 in NCAA Division III in four different categories. St. Norbert finished the year 3rd in tackles for loss (90), 4th in takeaways (33), 6th in interceptions (22) and 11th in sacks (33). Swanson also coached a trio of First Team All-NACC performers and one Second Team All-NACC selection. That group was highlighted by Kendall Karcz (S), who was also named a First Team All-American by both the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the Associated Press (AP). 

Coach Swanson spent the 2019 season as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Finlandia University. Under Swanson's guidance, the Lions led all NCAA Division III institutions in fewest passing yards allowed, surrendering just 99.3 yards per game. 

Swanson also spent two seasons coaching at the University of West Florida (D2). There he held various titles including: cornerbacks coach, running backs coach, assistant special teams coordinator, video coordinator and team communication coordinator. In 2017, Swanson helped lead the Argonauts to an 11-4 record and an appearance in the NCAA Division II Championship Game. 

Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Swanson played football professionally in the NFL and the Arena Football League. In 2007, he signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. He also spent multiple seasons in the Arena Football League with the Arizona Rattlers and the Tampa Bay Storm. Swanson helped the Rattlers win the National Conference Championship in 2011 and then the Arena Bowl in 2013. 

Swanson spent his collegiate playing career as a defensive back at Wake Forest University. He was named to the the Sporting News ACC All-Freshman Team in 2003 and helped lead the Demon Deacons to an Atlantic Coast Conference Championship in 2006. Wake Forest was also selected to play in the 2007 Orange Bowl against the University of Louisville. 

Swanson graduated from Wake Forest University in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in Religion.