Paul Rice, captain of the 2009 Yale Football team, returned to his alma mater in February 2024 as Tight Ends Coach on Tony Reno’s staff. He came back to New Haven after two seasons at Columbia, where he coached linebackers and served as Special Teams Coordinator. With the Lions, he developed First Team All-Ivy linebacker Anthony Roussos and unanimous First Team All-Ivy punter William Hughes.
Before Columbia, Rice spent the 2021-22 season with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons as a Defensive Analyst, providing research and statistical insight to support the defensive staff. That opportunity followed a three-year run at Fordham (2018-20), where he was Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach. Six of his players earned All-Patriot League honors during his tenure, including four First Team selections.
Rice is no stranger to Yale, having spent five years on Reno’s staff from 2013-17 as Outside Linebackers Coach and, later, Special Teams Coordinator. He helped lead the Bulldogs’ 2017 defense to the top ranking in Ivy League scoring defense and second in defensive pass efficiency. During that time, he coached three All-Ivy players and was named one of the American Football Coaches Association’s “30 Under 30” honorees.
His coaching journey began at Georgia Tech in 2012 as an offensive graduate assistant, where he helped the Yellow Jackets capture the Sun Bowl over USC. He also played and coached overseas in 2011 with the L’Hospitalet Pioners in Barcelona, Spain, contributing to a national championship run.
As a player, Rice was a four-year starter and three-time All-Ivy selection at Yale, where he starred at both cornerback and linebacker. A First Team All-Ivy honoree and team captain as a senior in 2009, he finished his career with 196 tackles, six interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. Rice graduated with a degree in political science in 2010.
Originally from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Rice was named the state’s Division III Co-Defensive Player of the Year in high school and played in the prestigious Big 33 All-Star Game before beginning his decorated career in the Blue and White.
