Richard Hayes Jr. | Fayetteville State University

Richard Hayes, Jr. was named the 16th head football coach of Fayetteville State University on December 28, 2015. Since taking the helm in 2016, Hayes has brought over 20 years of coaching experience and a defensive-minded approach that has transformed the Broncos into perennial contenders in the CIAA.

In his inaugural season (2016), Hayes led the Broncos to a 4-6 overall record and a 4-3 mark in CIAA play, narrowly missing postseason qualification. The season was highlighted by Stevie Green earning CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, setting the tone for future success.

The 2017 season saw a significant leap forward. Fayetteville State finished 6-5 overall and 5-2 in conference play, riding a five-game win streak into the CIAA Championship game. Although the Broncos fell to Virginia State, the season was a breakthrough, with Donshel Jetton and Elvin De La Rosa earning Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, respectively.

In 2018, Hayes guided the Broncos to a 6-3 overall record and a 5-1 conference finish, despite two games being canceled due to Hurricane Florence. The team earned its second consecutive CIAA Championship berth, and Hayes was named CIAA Coach of the Year. Special Teams standout Brandon Smith was also recognized as the conference’s top performer in his category.

The 2019 campaign continued the upward trend, with Fayetteville State finishing 8-3 overall and 6-1 in the CIAA. The Broncos made their third straight appearance in the CIAA title game and had 10 players earn postseason honors, including four First-Team All-CIAA selections.

The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Broncos returned strong in 2021. Hayes led the team to an 8-2 overall record and a perfect 7-0 conference slate, securing a fourth consecutive Southern Division title. The Broncos reached the CIAA Championship game once again, falling narrowly to Bowie State. Twelve players earned postseason honors, with Greg Brooks and Keyshawn James named Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively.

In 2022, Hayes achieved a major milestone by leading Fayetteville State to a 9-2 record and capturing the CIAA Championship with a 31-28 victory over Chowan. It was the program’s first conference title under his leadership, and the defense was among the best in the league.

The 2023 season saw continued excellence, with the Broncos finishing 8-2 overall and 7-1 in CIAA play. They returned to the CIAA Championship game, showcasing a balanced team with standout performances on both sides of the ball and multiple All-CIAA honorees.

In 2024, the Broncos faced a rebuilding year, finishing 4-5 overall and 3-4 in the CIAA. Despite the challenges, the team remained competitive, averaging nearly 25 points per game. Quarterback Joe Owens led a strong passing attack, while running back Caden Davis scored a team-high seven rushing touchdowns. The defense recorded 19 sacks and forced eight fumbles, continuing Hayes’ tradition of aggressive, disciplined play.

Throughout his tenure, Coach Hayes has built a culture of excellence, resilience, and player development. His leadership has produced numerous individual accolades, championship appearances, and a CIAA title, solidifying his legacy as one of the most impactful coaches in Fayetteville State football history.

His impact extends beyond the college level. He coached Joshua Williams, a standout defensive back at Fayetteville State who became the first Bronco drafted in over 40 years when the Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Williams has since become a key contributor for the Chiefs, winning two Super Bowl titles and earning recognition for his playmaking ability in the secondary.

Hayes also coached Kion Smith, an offensive lineman who played at Fayetteville State from 2016 to 2019. Smith signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2021 before joining the Miami Dolphins, where he has appeared in multiple games as a rotational lineman.

Prior to taking charge at Fayetteville State, Hayes served as the defensive coordinator for the 2015 CIAA Champions Winston-Salem State University. He joined the WSSU football coaching staff in 2010 as an assistant coach working with the defensive backs and special teams. 

Hayes earned a hefty set of accolades during his time at WSSU. Under Hayes’ defensive schemes, the Rams’ defense has been ranked nationally in the top 10 since 2010. Hayes played an instrumental role in WSSU making three consecutive NCAA Regional appearances, including two Region I Championships (2011-12) and finishing as a NCAA DII National Finalist in 2012. 

Hayes served as the defensive coordinator at W.J. Keenan High School in Columbia, SC (2009) and at James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, NC (2004-05). 

In 1998, Hayes began coaching on the collegiate level at his alma mater North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He served as an assistant coach with the Aggies from 1998-2002. He spent three seasons working with the running backs and two seasons as the outside linebacker's coach. 

Hayes completed his bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration from N.C. A&T State University in 1999. He was a standout defensive back for the 1991 and 1992 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champions as a two-year letterman. 

He and his wife Thomasina are the proud parents of three children, Richard III, Ryan, and Kennedy.