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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Coach Ruzell McCoy

Ruzell McCoy

  • Title
    Recruiting Coordinator/Linebackers
  • Email
    mccoyr@unk.edu
  • Phone
    (308) 865-8033
Ruzell McCoy Jr. joined the Nebraska Kearney football program in January 2025 and serves as the Lopers linebacker coach and recruiting coordinator. 

In 2025, junior Parker Wise was named second-team All-MIAA as he had a team-best 70 tackles (10.5 TFL's and 5.0 sacks), six quarterback hurries, four PBU's, one interception, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Next, Caden McGruder and Dylan Jordan combined for 66 tackles with the Loper defense allowing just 22 points and 122 rushing yards per game. UNK was among the MIAA leaders in a variety of categories including first in rush defense. For the 2026 recruiting class, the Lopers added 36 h.s. seniors (22 in-state and 14 out of state) and healthy number of mid-year transfers in January.  Coach McCoy

McCoy spent 2024 as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at NAIA Madonna University (Livonia, Mich.). The Crusaders first full football season came just four years prior.

"I'm very excited to have Ruzell McCoy join our staff. I've known Coach McCoy for many years and all the way back to when I recruited him in 2004," said Loper head coach Ryan Held. "He has a wide range of experiences from being a head coach, coordinator and position coach."

An All-American linebacker in his playing days at Division II Southwestern Oklahoma State (Weatherford, Okla.), McCoy has also coached at his alma mater (2019-23), Ellsworth C.C., Iowa (spring 2019), NAIA McPherson College, Kan., Coffeyville C.C., Kan. (2016-17) and Highland C.C., Kan. (2012-13). Held was at coach of the Highland Scotties during 2012 and 2013.

Coaches Mandelko & McCoyMcCoy served as DC at SWOSU, Ellsworth, McPherson, Coffeyville and Highlands while also working as a defensive line coach (Highland & SWOSU) and linebackers coach (Ellsworth, Coffeyville & Highland). Finally, he was interim head coach at SWOSU during the 2023 season.

Between 2005-08, the Frederick, Okla., native racked up 238 tackles for the Bulldogs. The total included 44.5 tackles for loss, third most in SWOSU's Division II era. A two-time first-team All-Lone Star Conference (LSC) selection, he also was tabbed the 2008 North Division's Linebacker of the Year. Finally, McCoy was a 2008 first-team Don Hansen Gazette's All-American and SWOSU's Male Athlete of the Year.

He holds two degrees from SWOSU, a bachelor's in Parks & Recreation and a master's in Sports Management. McCoy and his wife, Sara, have three children in Kynna, Trey and Zella.