Familiar Face Returns to NMHU Sidelines
NMHU Defensive Coordinator Ed Rifilato
The NMHU Cowboy Football program is pleased to announce the hiring of former Fort Lewis College Head Coach Ed Rifilato. Rifilato will serve as the Cowboys Defensive Coordinator. Rifilato is no stranger to Cowboy Football as this will be his second stint with the Cowboy program. Rifilato served as head coach of the Cowboys in the 1999 season. Rifilato was the last coach to lead the Cowboys to the RMAC Championship as well as the last NMHU head coach to be named RMAC Coach of the Year.
Prior to NMHU, Rifilato served as the Head Coach at Fort Lewis College from 2004-2009. During his time at Fort Lewis College, Rifilato led the Skyhawks to many milestones. The Skyhawks posted the best ever win/loss record in the school’s history (7-4) in the 2006 season under Rifilato. The 2006 Skyhawks earned post season honors and were crowned Dixie Bowl Champions as they defeated the Rebels of Dixie State College 24-14. Rifilato was also named the Colorado National Football Foundation Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2006 for his achievements at Fort Lewis College.
“Coach Rif (Rifilato) is a great coach. I had the pleasure of coaching with him during the 1999 season here at NMHU and I now have the pleasure of coaching with him again. He is a huge hire for our program and will help us take that next step towards an RMAC championship. He has a wealth of knowledge about the RMAC and will bring some experience to our staff. I am honored to have a coach of Rif’s caliber on my staff” said NMHU Head Coach Chad Roanhaus of his newest hire.
Rifilato brings a great football background to the Cowboys coaching staff. With stints at NCAA DI institutions such as the University of Idaho and the University of Louisville as well as his extensive RMAC and NCAA DII experience Rifilato should bring a wealth of knowledge to the defensive side of the ball for the Cowboys.
“I am very happy to be back in Las Vegas. Las Vegas has always had a special place in my heart, I get a ‘warm feeling’ inside of me every time I come back. I love this community and NMHU I have great memories of my time here before and look forward to making new ones with Chad (Roanhaus) and his staff. I have a great deal of respect for Chad (Roanhaus) and am honored to be a part of something special here at NMHU. I’m excited with what I see here and am happy to be back coaching defense” said Coach Ed Rifilato of his new position as Defensive Coordinator at NMHU.