Robert Riley recently traded in his pads for a spot on the sidelines as an assistant coach and will begin his second season working with the safeties in 2020.

In his first season assisting the coaching staff, the Thunder ranked in the top-20 in NCAA Division III in fewest passing yards allowed per game at 156.6 to rank 16th overall.  In the MIAA, Trine’s defense took top honors in fewest yards allowed and was second in interceptions with 11.

Riley had an accomplished playing career at Trine as a three-year starter in the defensive secondary.  He helped Trine post back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in 2017 and 2018 as well as consecutive Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championships.  In 2017, Trine posted a school record tying 11 wins (11-1 overall) and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III National Tournament.  

Riley was a two-time All-MIAA award winner, both second-team selections, and ended his career with 181 total tackles (89 solo and 92 assists) that included three tackles for loss.  He had one career interception and a blocked kick.  Not only a mainstay in the defensive secondary lineup, Riley also spent the last two seasons of his career as the team's starting punter.  As a senior, Riley averaged a career-best 37.3 yards per punt and had a season-long punt of 67 yards.  His 37.3 average ranked as the sixth best in a season in program history.  Overall for his career, Riley had a lifetime average of 34.7 yards per punt in 66 attempts.  He currently ranks ninth in program history in punt average.

Riley graduated from Trine in 2019 with a degree in applied management.