YSU co-defensive coordinator Richard McNutt expected to resign


By Brian Dzenis

bdzenis@vindy.com

Youngstown State co-defensive coordinator Richard McNutt is expected to resign, multiple sources have told The Vindicator.

Contrary to some published accounts, McNutt remained a YSU employee as of Sunday. School officials, speaking on background because McNutt’s exit was not yet official on Sunday, said he is expected to leave before the football team begins spring practice on Feb. 25.

Neither YSU athletic director Ron Strollo or head coach Bo Pelini answered requests for comment.

McNutt joined the Penguins as a defensive backs coach when Pelini took over the team in 2015. His son, Devon McNutt, is a linebacker on the team.

Richard McNutt played at Ohio State from 2000-02. He was coached in 2001 and ‘02 by current for YSU president Jim Tressel. Chronic ankle injuries ended McNutt’s playing career.

Last season, McNutt was suspended for the first three games of the season following an alleged domestic violence incident involving his ex-wife in April 2018. According to a Canfield police report, McNutt allegedly slapped a cellphone out of his ex-wife’s hand when he showed up at her home to pick up his children.

McNutt wasn’t charged in the incident, and at the time, he was found not to have violated any YSU policies, but the university still suspended him.

The school subsequently updated its workplace violence policy to include off-campus incidents.

McNutt would be the third coach to leave the Penguins’ staff this offseason. Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo left the team to join the New England Patriots as an assistant offensive line coach and special teams coordinator Ron Stoops retired.

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