Rick Istvan enters his first season with the AIC Yellow Jackets in 2024 and will serve as the team’s graduate assistant defensive line coach. Known to his student-athletes as "Coach Hulk," Istvan arrived at AIC in January and coached the defensive line during spring football.
Before Istvan arrived at AIC, he served as the Defensive Line Coach at Quincy University for the QU Sprint Football team in Quincy IL. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the QUSFB team's defense ranked #1 and #2 overall in the MSFL, respectively. Coach Istvan coached a 2nd team all-conference DE in Bryce Vaught, and DT Noah Getz in 22’. In 2023, the 2nd team all-conference DE Bryce Vaught, was recognized as a 1st team All-American in the MSFL, and he also led the team in TFLs, tackles, and sacks.
Preceding Istvan’s jump into college football, he held many different roles in the sports world. Istvan interned with the Massachusetts Pirates of the IFL and with NFLPA Certified Sports Agent Sean Stellato. He also served as the defensive coordinator and defensive coach for multiple semi-professional teams in New England. While coaching as an assistant defensive coordinator and the defensive line coach with the New England Bearcats, in their inaugural season, the Bearcats had the #1 defense, went undefeated, and won the NEFL Championship. While coaching for the Connecticut Falcons of the NEFL, the Falcons made the NEFL Championship and were invited to play in the National Championship in Maryland. Istvan was not only a coach in the semi-professional ranks; he also played. As a player, Istvan helped his team win a championship and was elected to numerous All-Star games.
Before his semi-professional career, Hulk was the assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, and defensive line coach for the Milford Eagles. He was also a major part in spearheading the creation of two high school football programs where he served as the defensive coordinator and the defensive line coach in their inaugural seasons. As a high school player, Istvan was part of the only team in Joseph A. Foran High School's history, under Coach Ken Walker, to win the State Championship. That distinction would earn him, Coach Walker, and the 1994 Foran Lions football team a spot in the Milford Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame.
Before committing his life to coaching football as a career, Istvan was a Paramedic and firefighter for 20 years. Istvan worked as a shift leader, a Field Training Officer, and a supervisor. He earned numerous commendations and awards during his career.
Hulk graduated from Quincy University (IL) and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management. He is currently pursuing His M.B.A. at AIC.
