Introduction
Brett Riley is a prominent American ice hockey coach who has quickly made a name for himself in the world of collegiate hockey. Currently serving as the head coach of the Ferris State Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team, Riley is renowned for his innovative coaching style, player development, and ability to build competitive teams from the ground up. With a deep family legacy in the sport, Riley brings both tradition and modern strategies to his coaching approach.
Early Life and Family Legacy
Brett Riley was born into a family with an extraordinary legacy in ice hockey. His grandfather, Jack Riley, was the head coach of the U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Team that won the gold medal in the 1960 Winter Olympics. Additionally, his father, Rob Riley, spent over 30 years coaching at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, further solidifying the family’s connection to the game. Growing up in this environment, it was no surprise that Brett Riley was drawn to hockey and eventually pursued a career as a coach.
Brett Riley Playing Career
Before stepping into coaching, Brett Riley played ice hockey at the collegiate level. He attended Hobart College, where he played as a forward for the Hobart Statesmen men’s hockey team. While his playing career was not as high-profile as his coaching career would later become, Riley’s time on the ice provided a strong foundation in teamwork, discipline, and understanding of the game. After graduating in 2014 with a degree in History, Riley decided to transition into coaching, eager to build a legacy of his own in the sport.
Brett Riley Coaching Career
1. Wilkes University — Building from the Ground Up
In 2017, Riley was appointed as the first head coach of the men’s ice hockey program at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. Tasked with creating a team from scratch, Riley’s work at Wilkes demonstrated his ability to recruit, build, and lead a new program. During his inaugural season, he led the team to a 16-8-2 record, a remarkable achievement for a first-year program. His success at Wilkes earned him the recognition of the UCHC Coach of the Year.
2. Colgate University — Developing Skills and Experience
After his success at Wilkes, Riley moved on to a more established program at Colgate University as an assistant coach. Here, he contributed to Colgate’s ECAC Hockey campaign, improving the team’s defense and special teams. Riley’s time at Colgate allowed him to work under veteran head coach Don Vaughan, gaining valuable experience in Division I hockey and learning from one of the most respected coaches in the industry.
3. Long Island University (LIU) — The Inaugural Season
In 2020, Riley was named the head coach of the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks men’s ice hockey team. This was a groundbreaking appointment, as LIU was starting its first-ever Division I men’s ice hockey program. Riley successfully built the program from the ground up, attracting top-tier talent and fostering a competitive spirit within the team. His leadership led to steady improvements, and by his third season, the Sharks were recognized as one of the rising programs in NCAA hockey. Riley’s ability to develop a team from scratch in such a short amount of time has earned him widespread acclaim in the hockey community.
Coaching Philosophy
Brett Riley’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in player development, discipline, and a team-first mentality. Drawing inspiration from his family’s legacy in coaching, Riley focuses on nurturing the skills of each individual player while fostering a cohesive team environment. His approach includes:
- Holistic development: Riley believes in the importance of developing players both on and off the ice, emphasizing academic success and character development alongside athletic achievement.
- Tactical innovation: Known for his ability to adapt and innovate, Riley integrates modern strategies into his teams’ playbooks, ensuring his players are prepared for the evolving dynamics of college hockey.
- Recruitment: Riley is a skilled recruiter who has built successful programs by attracting high-potential players who not only have talent but also fit into the team’s culture and values.
Notable Achievements
Riley’s career is marked by numerous milestones:
- Coaching at Wilkes University: In his first year, Riley led the team to an outstanding 16-8-2 record, proving his capabilities in turning a new program into a competitive force.
- LIU Sharks Development: As head coach, Riley elevated the LIU Sharks from a nascent program to a competitive NCAA Division I team, achieving a 20-12-2 record in the 2024-2025 season.
- Recognition: Riley has been recognized as the NCAA Independent Hockey Coach of the Year, underscoring his excellence in coaching, player development, and team management.
Brett Riley Current Role: Head Coach at Ferris State University
In March 2025, Brett Riley was named the head coach of the Ferris State Bulldogs men’s ice hockey team, succeeding the legendary Bob Daniels, who retired after more than three decades at the helm of the program. Riley’s appointment represents a new chapter for the Bulldogs, as he brings a wealth of experience in building competitive teams. His leadership is expected to strengthen Ferris State’s standing in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) and elevate the program to new heights.
Brett Riley Personal Life and Family
Brett Riley is a private individual when it comes to his personal life. However, his legacy as part of one of the most influential coaching families in ice hockey speaks volumes about his passion for the game and commitment to coaching excellence. Riley’s grandfather Jack Riley and father Rob Riley have each played pivotal roles in the sport, and their influence continues to guide Brett in his career.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Brett Riley is still in the early stages of what promises to be a long and successful coaching career. His ability to build programs from the ground up, recruit top talent, and develop players both on and off the ice positions him as one of the rising stars in NCAA hockey coaching. As head coach of Ferris State, he has the opportunity to leave an indelible mark on the program, continuing the legacy of excellence while shaping the next generation of hockey talent.
Riley’s coaching career is a testament to the power of hard work, family legacy, and the pursuit of excellence in the sport of ice hockey. His impact on college hockey will undoubtedly continue to grow as he builds upon his successes at Ferris State and beyond.
Conclusion
Brett Riley has proven himself as a dedicated and innovative coach who can build competitive programs from scratch and develop players into top-level talents. With a strong family legacy in hockey, Riley’s career is poised for even greater accomplishments. As he continues to make his mark at Ferris State University, Riley will undoubtedly be a name to watch in the world of NCAA ice hockey.