Jamaal Richardson, a 247Sports 30 Under 30 selection, was promoted to assistant coach for the 2024 season after joining the Vanderbilt football staff in 2022 as defensive quality control. Richardson coaches the Commodore cornerbacks.
Richardson’s group was paced by sophomore Martel Hight and transfer Kolbey Taylor in 2024 as the Commodores produced their first winning season and bowl victory in over a decade. Hight paced the cornerbacks with 33 tackles, two interceptions, four break-ups and a forced fumble. He was also an All-SEC selection as a return specialist. Taylor contributed 23 tackles. Jaylin Lackey also produced a strong freshman campaign, making 14 tackles while playing in all 13 games.
Richardson came to Nashville following a 2021 season as a graduate assistant at Northern Illinois. He spent the previous two seasons at Western Illinois, working with linebackers, the secondary and special teams.
The 2018 Iowa State graduate played for the Cyclones from 2014-17, then spent the 2018 season as a student assistant. He was a second-team Academic All-Big 12 selection in 2016 and made the Dean’s List in 2017.
The Richarson File
Hometown: Oswego, Ill.
High School: Oswego (Oswego, Ill.)
College: Iowa State (finance, 2018)
Playing Career
2014-17 • Iowa State (defensive back)
Coaching Career
2019 • Western Illinois • Graduate Assistant
2020 • Western Illinois • Graduate Assistant
2021 • Northern Illinois • Graduate Assistant
2022 • Vanderbilt • Quality Control (Defense)
2023 • Vanderbilt • Quality Control (Defense)
2024 • Vanderbilt • Assistant Coach (Safeties)
Postseason Experience
2014 • Iowa State • Liberty Bowl (player)
2017 • Iowa State • Liberty Bowl Champions (player)
2021 • Northern Illinois • MAC Championship Game Winner
2021 • Northern Illinois • Cure Bowl
2024 • Vanderbilt • Birmingham Bowl Champions