ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western head football coach Matt Williamson has announced the promotion of Justin Richter to defensive coordinator and the addition of Gary Salgado as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
 
Richter will be defensive coordinator in 2018 after serving one season as defensive backs coach at Missouri Western in 2017. Richter's secondary led the MIAA in 2017 with 14 interceptions and ranked fifth in the MIAA, holding opponents to 212 passing yards per game. Safety Jonathan Owens was named second team All-MIAA and cornerback Brandin Dandridge was named third team All-MIAA.
 
Serving as co-defensive coordinator in 2018 will be Gary Salgado who comes to Missouri Western from Angelo State where he served as defensive line coach and director of football operations for five seasons. At Angelo State, Salgado guided multiple All-Lone Star Conference players, including ASU's all-time sacks leader, Clayton Callicut.
 
Richter's promotion and Salgado's hiring come after 2017 defensive coordinator Mike Walton accepted the defensive coordinator position at his alma mater, Eastern New Mexico, in February.
 
Griffon Football begins spring practice, Friday, March 23.