Former Long Island University head coach Brett Riley is taking the reins of Ferris State’s hockey program.
On Friday, March 28, Ferris Athletics announced that Riley will replace its oldest-tenured coach, as former head coach Bob Daniels retired after 33 years as the bench boss following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
Riley’s coaching career started at Colgate, where he was an assistant coach under Don Vaughan in 2019-20. Riley took over at LIU in the 2020-21 season, becoming the program’s first head coach and posting a 20-12-2 record this past season.
Ferris State athletic director Steve Brockelbank believes Riley fits the hockey program’s needs.
“We’re thrilled to announce Brett Riley as the new head coach for Bulldog hockey and are extremely excited to welcome him to campus and the Big Rapids community,” Brockelbank said. “Brett brings a tremendous passion for the game of hockey and outstanding energy. He also has displayed the ability to attract and develop talented players both on and off the ice, which is essential in today’s game.”
After Riley’s LIU Sharks recorded a program-best 20-12-2 record in 2024-25, the coach took home the NCAA’s Independent Hockey Coach of the Year award.
Ferris State hockey’s new leader is ready to begin his new position with the university.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to become the next head hockey coach at Ferris State University,” Riley said. “First, I want to thank President Bill Pink, Steve Brockelbank and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity. The tradition of excellence, commitment to Bulldogs hockey and most importantly the people I met throughout the process and while on campus make this opportunity so exciting. I can’t wait to start working with our student-athletes.”
Rumors were buzzing earlier in the season as a list of early head coach candidates included many Bulldogs alumni; however, Ferris seemingly decided to pivot toward a new face for the program.
According to Mike McMahon of College Hockey Insider, former Bulldogs Cody Chupp, Tommy Hill and Trevor Large were all named finalists alongside Riley, as well as former Adrian head coach Adam Krug.
Riley will be formally introduced to the university in a press conference on Monday, March 31 at 11 a.m. at Ewigleben Sports Complex.
For further updates on the Bulldog hockey offseason, click here.
Sports Editor Connor Grypma contributed to the reporting of this article