Nick Richards

Bio

Nick Richards is a former CFL player and seasoned football coach with over 28 years of experience developing athletes at every level of the game. A graduate of Acadia University, Coach Richards was a defensive back for the Acadia Axemen, earning a leadership role as a team captain during his university career.

He went on to play four seasons in the Canadian Football League spending two seasons with the Ottawa Rough Riders and two with the BC Lions where he competed at the highest level of Canadian football. During his playing career, Coach Richards built a foundation of discipline, resilience, and tactical understanding that he continues to bring to his coaching.

Following his professional career, Coach Richards transitioned into coaching, dedicating nearly three decades to guiding football and youth sports programs. He has coached at the U SPORTS level, including serving as a Defensive Coordinator, and has extensive positional coaching experience working with defensive lines, linebackers, and defensive backs.

In 2016, he expanded his coaching repertoire to include American football, further broadening his impact on the sport. Coach Richards is also one of the original founders of Football North, where he served as Defensive Coordinator and coached the defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs — helping to build the program and its mission to make NCAA Division I opportunities more attainable for Canadian athletes.

Coach Richards remains passionate about mentoring young athletes, fostering strong team culture, and helping players reach their full potential both on and off the field.