Richard Seigler


Richard Joseph Seigler is the current defensive line assistant coach of the Portland State Vikings college football team and former NCAA All-American and NFL Linebacker. He was drafted out of Oregon State University in 2004 by the San Francisco 49ers. In November 2005, he was acquired by the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing with them during their Super Bowl XL winning season. He finished up his playing years with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL before moving on to his coaching career. Seigler played under the tutelage of National Championship Head Coach Dennis Erickson and Mike Riley in the college ranks. In the NFL, he played under Super Bowl Championship coaches Mike Tomlin and Bill Cowher.

Early years

Seigler was born and raised in Las Vegas and attended Chaparral High School. Seigler was the oldest of 9 children, having 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Seigler was selected First-Team All-Sunrise Conference as a Linebacker and Wide receiver as a senior. Seigler was also a basketball player, and was selected All-Conference at Forward while leading his team in scoring and rebounding. Commenting on Seigler's natural leadership ability and selection as an OSU Team Captain, Brooks Hatch of the Corvallis Gazette-Times wrote, "It's a rare honor for an underclassman. In the past 30-odd years only 4 other non-senior Beavers have earned that distinction."

Career highlights and awards

Although the case was dismissed and Seigler was innocent, in May 2007, a Las Vegas news affiliate learned that Seigler was under investigation in connection to a prostitution ring operating in the city. He was released from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Seigler surrendered himself to Pittsburgh police and U.S. Marshals and was accused of pandering and providing transportation for a prostitute. All charges were dismissed in March 2008, and he expressed a desire to play in the NFL again. The Steelers did not reacquire Seigler after all charges were dropped. Seigler then ventured to play in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts and work his way back into the NFL. In 2010 Nigel Burton, Head Coach of the Portland State Vikings, offered Seigler a spot on the coaching staff. Burton told the Portland Tribune, "It’s unfortunate his name got dragged through the mud. I believe in second chances, but to be honest, this isn’t even a second chance for the guy. He is working hard. You can’t kick him out of the office. He wants to be a great coach. He and I are a lot alike in that regard. We love a challenge. You question me and my character, I’ll show you. You question my ability to coach, I’ll show you. That’s how he is. That’s why I love him, and I’m glad he is here."