A FSU graduate, Ryan Hodges will coach the defensive backs for the Bulldogs under head coach Tony Annese.

He worked under Annese the last three years as the defensive backs coach at Grand Rapids Community College and helped the Raiders to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Championship in both 2009 and 2011. 

Prior to GRCC, he also was part of Annese's staff that won three state titles as a prep assistant at Muskegon HS.  He gained experience in professional football as the defensive coordinator for the Muskegon Thunder in 2008 and recorded a 22-5 mark as the head junior varsity coach for Muskegon High.  While at Muskegon, he was also the school's head softball and powerlifting coach. 

Hodges played collegiately at Ferris State and was a four-year letterwinner who claimed All-GLIAC accolades in 2000.  Overall, he played in 40 games as a Bulldog defensive back and totaled 213 tackles along with six interceptions and 28 passes defended. 

He first played prep football under Annese at Montrose High School and broke into coaching as a student assistant at FSU in 2002.  Hodges has served as a teacher or professor at both Muskegon and GRCC.

"Ryan is a former Bulldog and was part of a championship team at Ferris State," said Annese.  "He's been with me since his collegiate playing days first at Muskegon and the last three years at GRCC.  Overall, he's a technician and high-energy guy who gets the most out of his players."