Bethel University Athletics

Chad Richards, who anchored the Royals offensive lines as a player in the mid-90's, completed his 10th year coaching the offensive line and 12th year overall with Bethel. In addition he joined the Royals' baseball coaching staff beginning in the 2022-23 academic year serving as an assistant coach and director of operations.

BETHEL OFFENSIVE LINE UNDER RICHARDS 
• At least one lineman named All-Conference in each of nine seasons as offensive line coach
• Four offensive line starters named First or Second Team All-Conference in 2018
• Three offensive line starters named All-Conference in 2022
• 14 1st Team All-Conference offensive lineman
• Eight 2nd Team All-Conference offensive lineman
• Allowed the fewest sacks in NCAA DIII (2) in 2019
• Allowed the second fewest tackles for loss in NCAA DIII in 2019
• Led MIAC and was 12th nationally in fewest sacks allowed in 2022

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
• Jack Fiedler one of just 10 MIAC football players all-time to be named to four MIAC All-Conference teams (1st Team in 2018,19,21 & 2nd Team in 2017)
• Jack Fiedler two-time D3football.com Preseason All-American
• Tom Delich & Nolan Richardson both named All-West Region in 2018
• Jeff Schmidt 2013 D3football.com Second Team All-American
• Bubba Freidlund 2013 BSN All-American
• Schmidt & Freidlund 2013 All-West Region
• Bubba Freidlund 2014 Sporting News Preseason All-American
• Danny Munoz & Josh Perkins named to AFCA Allstate Good Works Team in 2018 & 2014
• Travis Sinclair invited to Vikings Rookie Camp in summer of 2023

BEFORE BETHEL
• Joe Palke 2000 & 2001 NCCAA All-American offensive lineman at Northwestern College
• Palke named a 2000 NAIA All-American
• Coached two, two-time NAIA Academic All-American's at Northwestern
• 2000 NCCAA Victory Bowl Champions at Northwestern College
• Coached three All-Conference offensive lineman in two seasons at East Texas Baptist University
• ETBU offensive lineman Brandon Easterly selected for Aztec Bowl in 2003

PLAYING CAREER
• Three-year starter as offensive guard for the Royals from 1994-97
• 1997 MIAC All-Conference and All-Region selection

FAMILY
• Lives in Osseo with wife Sara, and three sons: Zach, Caden and Eli

Last update: 8/23/23