The Collegian
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Stacy Tutt, former Spider QB and NFL player, returns as assistant coach

Oct. 23, 2004 University of Richmond Football vs. JMU
Oct. 23, 2004 University of Richmond Football vs. JMU

The University of Richmond's football coaching staff has added two new members to its ranks.

Stacy Tutt, a former Spiders quarterback who spent two years in the NFL as a fullback for the New York Jets, will join the staff as an assistant coach, and Chris Stewart, who has worked at the University of Tennessee for the past 11 years, will serve as director of strength and conditioning, according to an athletics department statement released Tuesday.

Tutt, who garnered 3,047 yards of total offense during his senior season in 2005, joins three other Richmond alumni on the football coaching staff -- head coach Mike London, class of 1983; assistant head coach Jeff Hanson, class of 1972; and assistant coach Scott Burton, class of 1995.

London said Tutt's playing experience and close ties to Richmond would be vital to the program, especially because Tutt played with some of the team's current members.

"He's talking about it from experience as opposed to somebody talking about it when they learned it from somebody else," London said, "but it's also the off-the-field contributions he'll be able to make. He can say, 'Been there, took that class. You've got to study. Avoid this, get involved in that.'"

Tutt said he was excited to be back at Richmond and share his experiences with current players, but that he was adjusting to his new role as a coach, working in the same rooms where he had studied film and attended team meetings as a player.

"It's cool, but at the same time, it's weird," Tutt said. "I love it, and I loved my time here. I love everything about the campus and about the school. It's good to be back."

Stewart will replace former strength and conditioning coach Brandon Hourigan, who recently accepted a position at the University of Virginia. London said Stewart's experience, which includes five years as an associate strength and training coach at Tennessee, would benefit both the football program and the athletic department.

"He has trained a tremendous amount of athletes," London said. "He's also an Olympic strength coach which will provide a benefit for all of our athletes here -- both men's and women's sports."

The final opening on the Spider staff, defensive coordinator, is expected to be filled during the next few days, London said.

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Check for an expanded story the Feb. 12 edition of The Collegian

Collegian staff writer Dan Petty contributed reporting for this story.

Contact staff writer Emily Baltz at emily.baltz@richmond.edu

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