University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Football
- Title:
- Director of Football Operations
- Email:
- unc_football@unco.edu
Head coach ed Lamb named Brooke Richards the Director of Football Operations in April 2026.Â
Richards assumes the role after serving in the Northern Colorado athletics department since October 2024, most recently as Director of Strategic Communications from December 2025 through April 2026. She was promoted to that position after beginning her tenure as Assistant Director of Strategic Communications.
One of a small number of women serving as a Director of Football Operations at the Division I level, Richards will oversee all logistical aspects of the program’s day-to-day operations, including team travel, budget coordination, scheduling, and internal organization for the Bears’ football program.
During her time in strategic communications, Richards worked closely with all of Northern Colorado’s athletic programs, leading media relations efforts and shaping the department’s messaging and storytelling. She played a key role in elevating the visibility of multiple teams while also maintaining a consistent presence around the football program, supporting game operations and team communications.
Prior to her time at Northern Colorado, Richards gained operations experience at the University of Tennessee, where she served as an Operations Assistant with the volleyball program. In that role, she supported team logistics, travel coordination, and day-to-day operations within a high-level Division I environment. She also contributed as a Strategic Communications Intern, assisting with media relations and content development.
Richards began her career at West Texas A&M, where she worked as a student assistant in athletic communications and administrative offices. During her time there, she developed a strong foundation in media relations, event operations, and day-to-day administrative support within a collegiate athletics department.
A Michigan native, Richards was a collegiate volleyball student-athlete at Rochester University before transitioning into coaching and administrative roles. She has quickly established herself as a rising professional in collegiate athletics, known for her organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex logistical operations.
