Denver Broncos File
Rich Tuten, former NFL and college strength and conditioning coach, has joined Greer High School in the same capacity.
Florida University football players reportedly spoke of being “Tutenized” when Rich Tuten was an assistant with Steve Spurrier's staff in 1993.
Tuten, a former Clemson nose guard (1976-78), begins his adjunct position in February.
“We have been trying to make this work for about two years,” Athletic Director Travis Perry said. “I got a call Sunday from my former coach (Louis Waters) saying Rich was wanting to do something with athletics and help young people.”
Tuten, 62, is married to the former Donna Owens of Greer and is settled in the area.
Among Tuten’s 32 years experience as a strength and conditioning coach includes 17 years with the Denver Broncos where he earned two Super Bowl championships. He is two-time NFL Strength Coach of the Year and designed the Broncos’ state-of-the-art 9,000-square-foot conditioning center that was completed in spring 2004.
“The key to any successful athletic program goes back to strength and conditioning,” Perry said. “What is also valuable is Tuten’s health and wellness knowledge. He will be a terrific addition for the young people.”
Greer Head Football Coach Will Young has maintained the weight and conditioning program the past two years with his assistants and other sports coaches assisting their athletes.
“Our kids get a first rate coach that has the best experiences to offer,” Young said. “We may not have all NFL players but this is a huge advantage for us to have him. He has instant respect from the players.”
Tuten’s tenure with Denver lasted through three head coaches – Mike Shanahan, one of his first hires, Josh McDaniels and John Fox. Among the marquis players he worked with were John Elway and Tim Tebow.
Tuten was hired by Florida (1979-88) North Carolina (1989-92) and then brought back to Florida (1993-94) by former coach Steve Spurrier. In fact, Spurrier credited Tuten for much of Florida’s first two SEC championships won in 1992-93. Florida players reportedly spoke of being “Tutenized” when he joined the staff in January 1993.
Perry said the thought of working with someone of Tuten’s status was not a thought in years past. “I never had the opportunity to work with someone like him when I was in high school,” Perry said.
Young will institute Tuten’s program until he returns from a planned vacation.
Tuten’s storied coaching and playing history include:
17 years, NFL’s Denver Broncos (1995-2012)
• 2-time NFL Strength Coach of the Year
• 2 time Super Bowl Champion
• 3 AFC Championship Games
15 years at the college level
• Florida, 1979-88
• North Carolina, 1989-92
• Florida, 1992-93
Played at Clemson
• 3-year starter on defensive line, 1976-78
• 2-year team captain
• ACC Conference Champion, 1978
• Gator Bowls, 1977 and 1978