The Riley family’s incredible run of leading Army hockey will come to close at the end of the Black Knights’ 2024-25 season.
Brian Riley announced Wednesday that this season, his 21st season, will be his last at West Point. The season will mark the 75th straight campaign that the Riley family has guided the program.
The Rileys are Army hockey. Jack Riley, Brian’s father, was Army’s head coach for 36 years (1951-1986) and earned 542 wins. Rob Riley, Brian’s brother, coached Army from 1986-2004 and won 257 games.
“The opportunity to grow up at West Point, raise our children here, and be a coach here at West Point has been both rewarding and humbling,” said Brian Riley in a press release. “West Point has provided not only me but the Riley family with so many great memories and we are all so grateful.
“Growing up at West Point, I always wondered why my dad stayed here as long as he did but having sat where he sat, I now know why he stayed. The chance to be around all the amazing people, cadets and others makes this the best coaching opportunity in all of sports.”
Army announced that associate head coach and former Black Knights defenseman Zach McKelvie will take over as head coach for the 2025-26.
Riley, one of college hockey’s most respected coaches, stands fifth on the Atlantic Hockey all-time wins list with 242 victories. Atlantic Hockey has named Riley coach of the year a record four times.
McKelvie, who is entering his 11th season in Army’s program, was one of Riley’s star players, earning Atlantic Hockey first-team honors twice.
