Hofstra’s Longtime Soccer Coach Richard Nuttall to Retire After 37 Seasons
Hofstra University is saying goodbye to a beloved figure. Richard Nuttall, the head coach of the men’s soccer team, is set to retire after an impressive 37 seasons. His tenure has not only marked numerous victories but has also left a significant impact on his players and the university.
Nuttall began his journey with Hofstra in the late 1980s. Originally from Yorkshire, England, he landed a part-time coaching position while playing for the Glen Cove soccer club. At the time, the team was made up of many Hofstra players, which paved the way for his eventual hiring.
Jim Kilmeade, a close friend of Nuttall’s and a fellow Glen Cove player, played a part in encouraging him to take the job. “When the job came up, we pushed Richie to take it,” Kilmeade said. His decision turned out to be remarkable, as Nuttall developed the program into one of the top soccer teams in the country.
Initially, Nuttall viewed his time at Hofstra as a temporary gig, hoping to coach for two years before heading off to Australia, where he had previously played soccer. However, he soon grew to love the university, its campus, and the surrounding community, deciding to make Long Island his home.
“I love the people, from the custodians we’ve got, like Lefty and Nelson… all the way up to the president of the university,” Nuttall expressed. As he prepares to step into an advisory role after this season, he reflects on the relationships he has built over the decades.
Throughout his coaching career, Nuttall has led the program to eight Colonial Athletic Association championships, with a remarkable four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024. While the accolades are impressive, Nuttall insists that the true measure of success comes from his players’ achievements off the field. “We won a lot of games, lots of championships,” he noted. “But my biggest pleasure these days is seeing our players become incredibly successful people.”
His influence reaches beyond the soccer field. Nuttall has also dedicated years to developing youth programs in communities like Massapequa and Brentwood. His commitment to nurturing young talent reflects his belief in the power of sports to shape character and create opportunities.
The impact of Nuttall’s leadership is evident in the impressive careers of his former players. Many have become doctors, bankers, teachers, and coaches, highlighting the diverse paths they have taken since their time at Hofstra. “I would say 90 to 95 percent still keep in touch. So I’m proud of that, too,” Nuttall said, emphasizing the bonds he has formed with his athletes.
As his retirement approaches, the Hofstra community is preparing to honor Nuttall’s legacy. His tenure has been characterized by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his players’ success—qualities that define great coaching.
Looking back, Nuttall reflects on how the experiences he shared with his team have shaped not just their lives but his own. His story is a reminder of how far a passion for sports can take someone and the lasting relationships that form through dedication and perseverance.
As Richard Nuttall steps down, he leaves behind a legacy worth celebrating. While he may be retiring from the sidelines, his influence will continue to resonate within the Hofstra community for many years to come. The end of one chapter marks the beginning of another, both for him and for those who have been lucky enough to learn from him.
