Coach Diego Ryland enters his ninth season at Virginia Union University in 2026 as Associate Head Coach, Special Teams Coordinator, and Running Backs Coach. A retired United States Army veteran, Ryland has established himself as an outstanding leader and developer of student-athletes, building one of the most accomplished running back rooms and special teams units in NCAA Division II football.
The 2025 season marked another historic year for Ryland and VUU's "RBU." Under his direct guidance, Curtis Allen became the first player from an HBCU to win the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in NCAA Division II football. Allen also captured the Deacon Jones Trophy, earned All-CIAA and All-American honors, and led NCAA Division II in rushing yards and touchdowns. His performance helped Virginia Union earn its fourth consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearance and third consecutive CIAA Championship Game appearance.
Allen continued an impressive tradition of running back development under Ryland. He has coached three of the most accomplished backs in VUU history—Tabyus Taylor, Jada Byers, and Curtis Allen—with each earning All-American and national award recognition. In 2024, Byers capped an outstanding career by winning the Deacon Jones Trophy as the nation's top HBCU football player and finishing fourth in the Harlon Hill Trophy voting. Ryland has also been selected for three consecutive years as a running backs coach for the HBCU NFL Combine.
Ryland's impact has been equally significant on special teams. His units have consistently ranked among the nation's best, including leading NCAA Division II in blocked kicks. During his tenure, Virginia Union has produced multiple CIAA Special Teams Players of the Year, while his special teams have generated more than 100 points in individual seasons. His ability to develop specialists and create game-changing special teams units has been an important part of VUU's championship success.
In 2023, Ryland helped Virginia Union capture its first CIAA Championship since 2001, with Byers earning First-Team All-CIAA honors and kicker Brady Myers earning CIAA Special Teams Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. In 2022, Byers emerged as one of the nation's premier running backs, rushing for nearly 2,000 yards, scoring 19 touchdowns, earning CIAA Offensive Player of the Year honors, and becoming a Harlon Hill finalist while helping VUU earn an NCAA Playoff berth.
Ryland's development of Byers began in 2021 when the freshman rushed for more than 900 yards and was named CIAA Rookie of the Year. That same season, Ryland's special teams led NCAA Division II with 14 blocked kicks. His success earned him recognition by FootballScoop as a Minority Coach Rising Star and selection to participate in the NFL/NCAA Coaches Academy.
Ryland's tradition of developing elite running backs began shortly after arriving at VUU in 2018. He coached All-American Tabyus Taylor, who became one of NCAA Division II's top all-purpose performers and helped lead one of the CIAA's most productive rushing offenses.
Prior to Virginia Union, Ryland served as the Running Backs Coach at Hampton University under Head Coach Connell Maynor, where he mentored All-MEAC running back Yahkee Johnson. He previously spent nearly two decades coaching at the high school level in Kansas, North Carolina, New York, and Virginia.
Ryland earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy and his Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Union University. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education Administration.
Ryland is married to Dr. Sekeena Ryland, and they have four children: Niambi, Diego, Kyree, and Ryan.
Coaching History
1999–2016: Various High Schools (KS, NC, NY & VA) — Head Coach / Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator / QBs / DBs
2016–2018: Hampton University — Assistant Coach / Running Backs / Assistant DFO
2018–Present: Virginia Union University — Associate Head Coach / Special Teams Coordinator / Running Backs
