Rick Lyster

Biography

Rick Lyster joined the Blue Devil gridiron program in January 2024 and serves as an assistant coach, working primarily with the safeties. Lyster worked for Manny Diaz on two previous defensive staffs, most recently at Penn State University for two seasons (2022-23). The pair also spent time together at the University of Miami for one year (2021). The 2025 campaign showcased Lyster’s teaching prowess as he guided transfer Caleb Weaver to a team-high 91 tackles with a team-best two interceptions. Weaver, who had not been a safety until his arrival in Durham, finished 10th in the ACC in total tackles. Lyster guided DaShawn Stone during his first year as a starter in 2025 to 86 tackles, two interceptions, one caused fumble, three pass breakups and one quarterback pressure. Stone finished third on the squad in tackles and 14th in the ACC. True freshman reserve Andrew Pellicciotta also played a key role for the Blue Devils after arriving during fall camp. He carded 26 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups. Pellicciotta closed the campaign with three tackles in the regular season finale versus Wake Forest and two plus a pass breakup with 56 seconds left in regulation against Virginia in Duke’s ACC Championship Game victory. As a crucial piece of the defense, Lyster’s unit helped Duke rank 11th nationally in fumbles recovered (10), 12th in turnover margin (+0.71), 14th in turnovers gained (24) and 16th in tackles for loss per game (6.6) in 2025. Lyster’s first season in Dur