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John Cullen to be New Air Force Academy Men's Coach

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John Cullen to be New Air Force Academy Men's Coach

John Cullen captain the USA All-Military team vs the British Army. Photo Army Rugby Union.

Former Eagle and recent captain of the USA Military team John Cullen is about to be named the new Head Coach for the US Air Force Academy men's rugby team.

Air Force is making some changes in the program to elevate its funding and organization and this is all part of the plan.

We hired John Cullen and are finalizing the details with USAFA now. Here is some information below. We just announced to donors yesterday so you are the first outside that group to have the news.

"Coach Cullen brings an exceptional blend of military discipline, collegiate athletic experience, and rugby excellence to the position," said AFA DOR Jeff Burrows. "A U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, he is committed to instilling the warrior mindset, teamwork, and discipline required both on the rugby pitch and in military service."

“Playing at every level of rugby and learning from some of the best coaches and players around the world, serving in a Special Operations unit, and coaching all age groups has taught me invaluable lessons,” said Cullen. “Becoming Head Coach of Zoomie Rugby is a dream come true. I’m excited to help develop these young men into successful athletes and outstanding officers.”

Cullen’s athletic journey is especially relatable to the USAFA athletes, many of whom are crossover players. After earning recognition as the top junior college offensive lineman in the country, Cullen played Division I football at the University of Utah, earning All-Pac-12 and Academic Honors. He later transitioned to rugby, quickly rising through the ranks, playing for the All Americans, USA Falcons, USA Eagles, and with professional MLR teams Utah Warriors and Chicago Hounds.
 

Leinster School of Excellence

He also won two USA Men’s 7s National Champion with Serevi Rugby 7s, captained the USA All-Military team, and played for the All-Army 7s and 15s teams.

He coached with University of Utah, Park City Haggis, Des Moines Rugby, Iowa Selects, and the military teams.

In addition, he is known as a smart, knowledgeable rugby man and distinguished himself not only through his elite rugby and military background but also with his clear vision for building a culture of accountability, excellence, and leadership within the program.

So it's a combination of being a tough leader who understands the military mindset, a rugby coach who understands tactics (and 7s as well as 15s), and someone who can ensure that the team culture is a positive one.

Here and see more about John Cullen with GRR's interview with him during the 2024 USA Military Team tour of the UK.