Marist University Athletics

One of the top athletes the Hudson Valley has ever produced, Larry Riley is in his 36th year as an assistant coach at Marist in the 2023 season. 

Riley will be working with the team's cornerbacks this season. Riley has worked with both the defensive backs and linebackers in his Marist tenure. 

In his career, Riley has worked closely with some of the most talented players in program history. In 2011, cornerback Jaquan Bryant was a First Team All-PFL selection. Bryant intercepted four passes, and later took part in the FCS Senior Scout Bowl and Oakland Raiders rookie minicamp. Riley also worked closely with Rory Foley (Class of ’11), who graduated as Marist's all-time leader in tackles in the program's FCS history. Riley’s tutelage helped Joe Riccardi set Marist’s all-time tackles record with 484 from 1989-92 when the program was in Division III.

In 2019, Riley was inducted into the Dutchess County Sports Museum Hall of Fame. In 2007, Riley was honored by the Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union as part of their "Legends of the Hudson Valley" campaign, which was held in conjunction with Black History Month. It was just one of several awards Riley has earned for his dedication to the youth of the Hudson Valley. 

After starring locally in his scholastic football career at Arlington High School, Riley attended Salem College in West Virginia, where he saw time as both a defensive back and running back, and earned All-America accolades two times during his career. In 1975, he led Salem to the NAIA National Championship and earned NAIA Offensive Player of the Year honors in the state of West Virginia. He was inducted into the Salem International University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2022, Riley was part of the first class of inductees into Salem's Pinnacle Awards program, which honors the school's attendees and graduates for their professional achievements.

He signed with the Denver Broncos and was a member of the famous "Orange Crush" defense and played on the 1977 Super Bowl team. Riley played one year with the New York Jets before embarking on a three-year stint in the Canadian Football League. 

After his retirement from pro football, Riley became a voice for the world of football. His television appearances soon turned into a career in motivational speaking for universities and local school districts. His voice helped students to understand the pros and cons of a famous lifestyle. He encourages children to protect their dreams. 

Riley earned his undergraduate degree in public relations and organizational communication in 2002 from Marist. In 2003, he also earned his Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from the school. 

Riley began his coaching career as an assistant coach at nearby Arlington High School and in the Hyde Park school system. Riley resides in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and has two children, a son Larry, and daughter, Laurissa. Laurissa was a member of the 2006 Marist women's softball team that won the program's first MAAC Championship and advanced to the Tuscon Regional in the NCAA Tournament.