UNIVERSITY CENTER – Saginaw Valley State University Director of Athletics John Decker has announced that Ryan Brady has been named the seventh head coach of SVSU Football. Brady comes to Saginaw Valley after serving as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Ferris State University.
"I want to thank President Bachand, the Board, John Decker, Angela Pohl, the Committee, and everyone who was involved in the process," said Brady. I cannot express how excited and honored I am to be the Head Football Coach of Saginaw Valley State University. I look forward to meeting my new players, putting together an outstanding staff and to begin focusing our efforts on spring football. I want Cardinal fans to know it will be our mission to give Saginaw Valley State University a football program that everyone can be proud of. I am eager and excited to get to work!"
At Ferris State, Brady has helped lead the Bulldogs to three GLIAC championships and five straight NCAA Division II Playoff berths in the past five seasons. Ferris State advanced to the national quarterfinals each of the past three seasons, semifinals twice and competed in the 2018 NCAA Division II National Championship game this past fall. FSU compiled three undefeated regular seasons and an overall mark of 75-15 with Brady on staff since the 2012 campaign.
"I thank all my supporters who reached out on my behalf," Brady added. "The spirit and enthusiasm that has been demonstrated to myself and my family has been unbelievable. My wife Jessica, daughter Isabelle, and I feel blessed to come home to Saginaw and reconnect with family, friends and the community. Also, I would like to thank Coach Tony Annese, the staff, and the players at Ferris State for an incredible seven years. I love you all!"
A Chesaning native, Brady began his tenure with the Bulldogs in the 2012-2013 seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, helping two-time Harlon Hill Award winner Jason Vander Laan to GLIAC Freshman of the Year and All-GLIAC honors. He has spent four of the past five seasons on the defensive side as the Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, leading Ferris State to an overall record of 48-5 with him at the helm of the defense. In the 2016 season, Brady served as the offensive coordinator, offensive line and tight ends coach, helping lead FSU to the playoffs and a national semifinals appearance.
"Coach Brady emerged as our clear choice at the end of a highly competitive selection process, in which we had several strong candidates, so we are extremely pleased," stated director of athletics John Decker. "Ryan brings the entire package in terms of what we were seeking for a head coach to lead our program, and Cardinal supporters everywhere should be very excited about the future of SVSU football."
Prior to Ferris State, Brady coached at Grand Rapids Community College from 2009-2011 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The Raiders posted a 30-4 overall record in the three seasons and had the highest scoring offense in the nation all three years.
His collegiate football career saw Brady play quarterback at Grand Valley State University, leading the Lakers to a national title game appearance in 2001 and winning a national championship with the 2002 squad. Brady served as the Lakers' quarterbacks coach on their '03 championship squad before going to Muskegon High School as a strength and conditioning coach in 2004.
He served as the head freshman coach at Chesaning High School in 2005 and then took over as the offensive coordinator and QB coach at Montrose High School in 2006.
Brady moved on to become head coach at Perry High School in 2008 before joining the staff as quarterbacks coach at Grand Rapids Community College in 2009.
In high school, Brady led Chesaning to a state football championship as the school's signal caller in 1998 and was a first-team all-state honoree.
He holds a master's degree in educational leadership from SVSU and a bachelor's degree in professional instruction from GVSU.
A news conference to introduce Coach Brady is planned for Monday, Mar. 25.