Arkansas Tech University Athletics

Richard Hutchings enters into his first season back on staff at Arkansas Tech and will serve as the offensive line coach. Hutchings previously coached at Tech as the H-Back and Tight Ends coach in 2016 & 2017.
 
Hutchings returns to Tech after spending two seasons at the University of North Alabama as the program’s offensive line coach. Prior to that, Hutchings served as offensive line coach and video coordinator at Hendrix College since 2021.
 
Prior to Hendrix, Hutchings served as offensive line coach and run game coordinator at NAIA member Bethel (Tenn.) for three seasons (2018-2020).
 
In 2018, Hutchings helped guide the Wildcats to a Mid-South Conference (MSC) championship and berth in the NAIA National Championship opening round after posting a 10-1 overall record and perfect 6-0 mark in the league. Bethel, which posted its first undefeated regular season in school history, led the NAIA in points per game (54.5) and scored 92 against Kentucky Christian and 70 against Cincinnati Christian.
 
The Wildcats ranked second in the nation in total offense per game (540.3) and rushing offense per game (275.8), third in pass efficiency (177.6), fourth in first downs per game (24.7), sixth in third down conversion percentage (47.7), 10th in fourth down conversion percentage (60.0) and 15th in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.5).
 
Hutchings coached one All-MSC Bluegrass Division first team offensive lineman.
 
In 2019, Bethel ranked 23rd in the country in rushing offense (1,941), 28th in scoring offense (321) and 30th in first downs per game (19.8). Hutchings coached one All-MSC Bluegrass Division second team offensive lineman.
 
In 2020, the Wildcats were 14th nationally in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.4), 20th in pass yards per game (244.9), 22nd in third down conversion percentage (41.1), 25th in scoring offense per game (29.1) and 26th in first downs per game (20.3) and total offense per game (382.9). Hutchings coached two All-MSC Bluegrass Division second team offensive linemen.
 
Before his time at Bethel, Hutchings spent two seasons at Tech and helped mentor a prolific rushing attach. In 2017, Hutchings helped guide the Wonder Boys to an 8-4 overall record, including 8-3 mark in the Great American Conference (GAC). Tech opened its season with a pair of wins over Top 25 opponents. Hutchings also coached fullback Chris Eastburn to First Team All-GAC honors after the Wonder Boys averaged 225.4 yards per game on the ground.
 
In 2016, Hutchings helped coach Tech to a 6-5 overall and GAC record. Eastburn - voted to the Don Hansen All-America third team, Don Hansen All-Super Region Three second team and All-GAC second team - was the lead blocker for a ground game that finished fourth in the GAC and 26th nationally in rushing yards per contest (215.4).
 
Hutchings also served as a strength and conditioning intern at Louisiana in 2016 and offensive line coach at alma mater Union Hill (Texas) High School for three seasons (2013-15).
 
Hutchings played on the offensive line at NAIA member Langston (Okla.) for two seasons (2011-12) after transferring from Tyler (Texas) Junior College where he spent two seasons (2009-10) with the Apache. Hutchings helped the Lions to 6-4 overall records each season.
 
As a junior, Hutchings was named to the Central States Football League second team, and the Lions won the conference with a 4-1 mark. He spearheaded a front responsible for an offense which ranked in per game averages 25th nationally in rushing offense (167.0), 27th in third down conversion percentage (37.8) and 34th in scoring offense (27.2).
 
Hutchings earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Langston in 2013. The Gilmer, Texas, native is married to JaLesa Hutchings (nee Wester), and the couple have one son, Zayden.