Football
- Title:
- Defensive Line/Run Game Coordinator
- Email:
- rob.noel@richmond.edu
- Phone:
- 287-6846
2024 marked Noel’s second year as Defensive Line Coach on Russ Huesman’s staff, after previously serving as the defensive coordinator at CAA foe Stony Brook since 2020.
In 2024, Richmond's defensive line continued to excel with the duo of Matei Fitz and Carsen Stocklinski. The pair accounted for 60 tackles, including 9.5 for loss and seven sacks, as Richmond ranked third in the CAA in total defense, holding teams to 328.2 yards per game. The Spiders were also tied for first in touchdowns allowed, giving up just 28 all season. Additionally, Noel's defensive tackles helped Richmond rank third in the CAA against the run, limiting opponents to just 1,657 rushing yards on the year. With Noel's help, the 2024 Spiders went 10-3, reached the FCS Playoffs for a third consecutive year, and won back-to-back conference championships for only the second time in program history. Richmond finished the regular season with 10 wins, marking the team’s best regular-season record since 2009. Noel helped the Spiders complete an undefeated 8-0 conference season, the second such accomplishment in program history, as the 2024 team became just the seventh in CAA history to finish conference play unbeaten.
In 2023, Noel’s first season at Richmond, the defensive line was highlighted by the success of Matei Fitz, Aidan Murray, and Carsen Stocklinski. This experienced group combined for 89 tackles and 17 sacks. Richmond's run defense ranked 19th nationally and second in the CAA following the 2023 season, holding teams to just 112.7 rushing yards per game.
Before taking over the Seawolves’ defense, Noel worked as the defensive line coach at Stony Brook starting in 2014, eventually becoming the defensive run game coordinator prior to the 2019 season.
During his first season at Stony Brook, Noel guided Victor Ochi to All-America status and All-CAA Football honors, with Ochi becoming the Seawolves' all-time leader in both sacks and tackles-for-loss. In 2015, Ochi was named CAA Football’s Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-America recognition.
Noel helped guide the Seawolves’ defense to a third-place national ranking in total defense in 2017. In 2018, Stony Brook's defense ranked first in the FCS with six defensive touchdowns. He also helped the Seawolves reach back-to-back FCS Playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018.
Noel was a four-year letterwinner for the Butler Bulldogs, graduating with a school-record 44 games played, including 29 consecutive starts along the offensive line. He earned All-Pioneer League honors as a senior and was a two-time Academic All-Conference selection.
