Jim Ryan begins his fifth season as an assistant football coach for the Washington University in St. Louis football program. Ryan was named the defensive coordinator on Jan. 19, 2012, after two years as the special teams coordinator. He also serves as the recruiting coordinator for the Bears.
In his first season as the special teams coordinator in 2010, the Bears' punt unit led the University Athletic Association (UAA) and was second in NCAA Division III with a 37.78 average. In 2011, the Bears were second in the UAA and 31st in Division III (34.08).
Ryan arrived on the Danforth Campus after spending five seasons (2003-08) as the defensive coordinator at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Ill. Prior to his arrival at Illinois College, he served as defensive coordinator and Interim Head Coach at Colorado College from 2002-03. Ryan's defense at IC set school records for points allowed in a season as well as turnovers in a season.
He was also a graduate assistant coach at Delta State University in 2001 and University of North Alabama (2002), and defensive line coach at Ft. Lewis College (2000-01).
Ryan is a 2000 graduate of Colorado State University–Pueblo with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. He received his master’s degree in sports business administration from University of Central Missouri in 2011.
He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
Ryan authored two videos – Defensive Line Fundamentals and Drills vs the Pass, Defensive Line Fundamentals and Drills vs the Run – for the Nike Coaches of the Year Clinic.
Ryan and his wife Laura Sauer are the proud parents of twins, Andrew and Emelia, born on June 16, 2011.