Coach Diego Ryland is in his eighth year at Virginia Union University. A U.S. Army retiree, Ryland has emerged as a standout in the coaching ranks through his dedication, leadership and development of All-American Running Backs and Kickers. Under his guidance, the program’s special Teams have flourished, scoring over 100 points and leading NCA Division 2 in Block Kicks in 2022 and 2023. This past season his mentorship helped VUU’s record holding and setter running back Jada Byers earn awards from All Conference to All American, Decon Jones, Willie Lanier, Harlon Hill runner up as well as countless other awards during his four-year career at Virginia union University reaching the elite eight during the NCAA D2 playoffs and winning their second straight CIAA title. Previously, Ryland also mentored Tabyus Taylor to garner similar honors All Conference to All-American with a Harlon Hill Runners Up as well.
The 2023 season was historic, with the Panthers securing their first CIAA Championship since 2001 and earning multiple accolades, RB Jada Byers was the leading Running back garnering All CIAA First Team Honors. His special teams were again tops in the country with block kicks and kicker Brady Myers was selected as CIAA Special Teams Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.
During 2022 season mentored the top rushing offense in the CIAA led by Offensive Player of the Year/All-American running back Jada Byers. The running attack led the top offense in the CIAA to finish with a 9-2 record and an NCAA D2 Playoff Berth. The offensive average conference leading 40.5 points, 402.6 total yards and 221.5 rushing yards a game. He mentored and trained Harlon Hill Finalist and the Top Running Back in All of D2, Jada Byers. Byers who led All of College football from FBS to JUCO in Rushing yards with 1979 yards and 19 Td’s. Coach Ryland also Coordinated one of the Top Special Teams in the Country with 103 total points being generated by his Special Teams. His special teams lead the country in blocked kicks for the past two seasons, and he has had the Special Teams Player of the Year in his Conference for 3 out of his 5 seasons. He has also produced 4 All-American Candidates (2 RBs Tabyus Taylor Player of the Year 2018 and current Running Back Jada Byers Rookie of the Year in 2021 and Player of the Year in 2022 and K Jefferson Souza and Current Kicker Brady Myers).
During the 2021 season Ryland mentored, trained, and coached the CIAA Rookie of the Year and All Conference selectee Jada Byers. As a Freshmen Jada Byers rushed for over 910 yards for the season on an offense that scored over 27 points a game. For his contributions and hard work at Virginia Union Ryland was recognized by Football Scoop as a Minority Coach Rising Star. Ryland was also selected to attend the NFL/NCAA Sports Academy in Tampa, FL. Ryland’s Special Teams also lead all of NCAA D2 football in blocked kicks with 14 blocks for the 2021 season.
The 2020 CIAA season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
In 2018-2019 he helped the top rushing offense in the CIAA led by All-American running back Tabyus Taylor. The running attack led the top offense in the CIAA to finish with an 8-2 record. The offensive average a conference leading 45.2 points, 450.6 total yards and 253.3 rushing yards a game. He coached, mentored, and trained 13 running backs and fullbacks to include an All-American/All- Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) selectee and NCAA’s Division 2 football leader in All-Purpose yards for 2018 football season. Taylor, also led the CIAA in total All-Purpose, rushing yards and scoring offense while being VUU's top receiver for most of the 2018 football season.
Prior to coming to Virginia Union University, Ryland was an Assistant Coach (Running Backs) at Hampton University under Coach Connell Maynor. At Hampton University he mentored All-MEAC running back Yahkee Johnson formerly of LC Bird High School here in Richmond.
Ryland obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy, and his Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instructions from Virginia Union University. He is currently in pursuit of his Doctorate in Education Administration.
Ryland is married to Dr. Sekeena Ryland and has 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/ QB’s/DB’s
2016-18: Hampton University, Assistant Coach/RB’s Assistant DFO
2018-current: Virginia Union University, Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator/RB’s
