University of Central Missouri Mules football head coach Josh Lamberson announced on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, the hiring of Rich Wright as the program's next Defensive Coordinator.

Wright comes to Warrensburg after serving as the head coach for fellow MIAA foe Northwest Missouri State University for seven seasons (2017-2024). As the head coach at NWMSU, he posted a record of 65-22 and led the Bearcats to MIAA Championships in 2018, 2019 and 2021. In addition, Northwest Missouri State advanced to the NCAA-II Playoffs five consecutive times under Wright (2017-2022).

"I am so excited to have Rich and Sarah join the UCM Mules Football Family," Lamberson said. "I have known Rich for over 20 years as a player for him, a coach with him, and a competitor against him, and throughout that time I have been thoroughly amazed at his consistency in producing high quality, top-tier defenses. It is very obvious that the relationships and bonds he creates with his players are real and have an impact on their lives well beyond football. I am excited for our players to get in the room with Coach Wright and get the ball rolling."

Prior to being the head coach of the Bearcats, he served as the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at NWMSU from 2011-2016 and was the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator at Northwest Missouri from 2004 to 2010.

Wright was a part of 12 MIAA titles, four NCAA-II National Championships and eight NCAA-II National Championship game appearances as a member of the Northwest Missouri State coaching staff from 2004-2024. Seven of Wright's student-athletes were named MIAA Defensive Players of the Year during his time with the Bearcats.

He was named the 2014 and 2015 ProGrass Division II Coordinator of the Year.

During his time at Northwest Missouri State, Wright coached two Super Bowl athletes in Dave Tollefson (New York Giants) and Matt Longacre (Los Angeles Rams).

"Rich brings a wealth of knowledge stretching from Division II, the MIAA, and overall program logistics and is one of the most impressive defensive minds I have ever been around or competed against," Lamberson added. "His defenses have consistently been at the top of the MIAA and Division II, and his track record of producing All-Americans, All-Conference, MIAA Players of the Year, and NFL prospects is outstanding. He will bring an attitude of intensity and toughness to our football program that only Rich Wright can provide. We are ecstatic to bring Rich, Sarah, Grace and Kate into the UCM family!"

Wright earned a bachelor's degree from Dana College in 1995 before earning a master's degree at Northwest Missouri State in 1996. He and his wife, Sarah, have two daughters, Grace and Kate.