Southern Virginia University

Ryan Petrasek brings a wealth of coaching experience and a passion for football to his new role as the Running Backs Coach for the Southern Virginia University Knights. A native of Franklin, VA, Ryan's football journey began at Virginia Tech, where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. His analytical approach to the game and his commitment to excellence have shaped his career, starting with his early coaching roles at major universities.
 
In 2020, Ryan joined Old Dominion University as a Player Personnel Assistant, working closely with athletes and helping develop the team's overall strategy. This experience paved the way for his next step at Liberty University, where he worked under Head Coach Hugh Freeze. At Liberty, Ryan served as a Player Personnel Assistant and later as an Offensive Assistant in 2022. During his time with the Flames, Ryan helped the team achieve significant milestones, including back-to-back bowl game appearances. His contributions to the high-powered offense and his work alongside a nationally recognized coaching staff helped cement Liberty as a force in college football.
 
Following his success at Liberty, Ryan transitioned to high school coaching at Pike Road High School in Alabama, where he served as the Tight Ends Coach. His leadership and dedication to developing young talent led to an impressive season, further establishing his reputation as a coach capable of elevating teams.
 
Prior to joining Southern Virginia University, Ryan expanded his coaching expertise internationally as the Wide Receivers Coach for the Wroclaw Panthers in Poland, one of the premier teams in the European League of Football (ELF). In this role, Ryan worked closely with Head Coach Dave Christensen, contributing to the Panthers’ mission of becoming the top program in the ELF. Ryan’s time in Wroclaw allowed him to fulfill a long-time dream of coaching in Europe while building a strong fan base for American football in a growing international market.
 
Now, at Southern Virginia University, Ryan brings his international and collegiate coaching experience to the Knights’ program. His dedication to developing athletes both on and off the field, combined with his unique global perspective, makes him an exciting addition to the coaching staff. Ryan is committed to building a winning culture at SVU, much like he has done at every stop in his coaching career.