NORTHFIELD, Vt. — Norwich University Head Football Coach Bill Russell announced the addition of Ryan Heasley to the Cadets' coaching staff. Heasley will serve as an assistant coach, bringing more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience, including multiple stints as an offensive coordinator and offensive line coach.

Heasley most recently served as Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach at St. John Fisher University from 2022 to 25. During his tenure, the Cardinals consistently ranked among the nation's top offensive units, including a 2024 campaign that saw Fisher finish second nationally in time of possession at 34:30 per game. His offenses converted third downs at better than a 46 percent clip over three seasons and posted the second-highest fourth-down conversion rate in the Empire 8 Conference in 2024.

In 2023, Heasley orchestrated one of the best single-season rushing performances in school history, with a 1,000-yard rusher in just eight games who earned First-Team All-Empire 8 honors. Across his three seasons at Fisher, he mentored more than 16 All-Conference selections and played a key role in recruiting the largest incoming first-year class in program history.

"Coach Heasley brings a ton of experience coordinating offenses across multiple levels of college football," Russell said. "He has been a part of championships in some of the region's toughest conferences. His organization, attention to detail, and passion for teaching stood out in the interview process. I couldn't be more excited to have him join our staff and support the mission of returning Norwich Football to glory."

Before St. John Fisher, Heasley spent three seasons at SUNY Cortland (2019-22), helping guide the Red Dragons to the 2021 Empire 8 Championship and an NCAA Division III Sweet 16 appearance. Cortland finished the 2021 regular season undefeated and ranked as high as No. 13 nationally. He was part of an offensive staff that ranked second nationally in third-down conversions (54 percent) and averaged more than 40 points per game.

Heasley also brings previous offensive coordinator experience from Ithaca College, where he helped the Bombers capture two Empire 8 Championships and earn two NCAA Playoff appearances, including a Sweet 16 berth. Throughout his career, he has coached multiple All-Americans, Scholar-Athletes, and All-Conference performers, while serving on the AFCA Division III Assistant Coaches Committee from 2013-16

A 1999 graduate of Bethany College with a degree in Physical Education K-12, Heasley has also completed graduate coursework in education and athletics administration.

Known for his emphasis on academic excellence and player development, Heasley has consistently guided position groups to strong team GPAs, including a 3.25 cumulative GPA across three seasons at St. John Fisher.