Former MU lineman A.J. Ricker joins Pinkel’s staff
Gary Pinkel will turn to a former Tiger to coach the offensive line. Former Mizzou offensive lineman A.J. Ricker will join Pinkel’s staff as offensive line coach, ABC 17 confirmed. The Klein, Texas native comes from Illinois, where he held the same position.
Ricker spent two years on Tim Beckman’s staff, working with offensive coordinator Bill Cubit. Ricker and Cubit worked with each other while Cubit was the head coach at Western Michigan. Cubit was Missouri’s offensive coordinator in 2000 and coached the former lineman that year.
Ricker will replace Bruce Walker, who retired from coaching less than two weeks ago. Walker, 53, will move back to Washington and says he will spend more time with his family.
The former MU lineman earned First Team All-Big 12 honors in the 2003 season, after earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors at MU in 2002. He signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears in 2004 before playing with the Rhein Fire of NFL europe. Ricker also played two years in the Arena Football League.
