Richard Koonce joined the football coaching staff at Fayetteville State University in 2021 as the strength and conditioning coach.
Before arriving at Fayetteville State, in 2007, Koonce signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a linebacker. After being released by the Steelers, he played in the World League of American Football (NFL Europe League) with the Rhein Fire.
He attended East Carolina University from 2002-2006, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in logistics with a minor in business. During his time as a Pirate, Koonce was a four-year letter winner as a defensive lineman.
Koonce is a native of Jacksonville, NC, where he attended and graduated from Southwest Onslow High School (2001). He was a part of the 2000 championship team that defeated Newton-Conover High School, 14-13.
Currently he resides in Stedman, NC with his wife Danielle and their three children; Richard III, Jimmy, and Sarah Koonce.
