Rankin enters his 16th campaign as a Millersville football assistant coach in 2014. He has coached both sides of the football and has also served as special teams coordinator and defensive coordinator.
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After coaching the defensive line coordinating special teams from 2008-2010, Rankin took over the duties of defensive coordinator-- a position he previously held at Millersville. The defense responded to Rankin, holding opponents to the fewest points since 2007 and also generating the most sacks and most interceptions since the same season.
During his stint at Millersville, Rankin has also coached the defensive line and offensive line. He also had a three-year appointment as assistant head coach and inside linebackers mentor. He served as interim head coach from November 2004 to March 2005 and two years as the offensive line coach.
Rankin came to Millersville after two seasons as head football coach at the University of South Dakota where he compiled an overall mark of 8-14, including a 5-6 record in 1997. From 1992 to 1996, Rankin was an assistant coach with the Coyotes, serving in several capacities that included offensive line coach, recruiting coordinator, academic coordinator and summer camp coordinator.
Rankin has attained considerable coaching experience since he graduated in 1984 with a bachelor’s of science degree in social studies education from Edinboro University. After a two-year stint at his alma mater guiding the running backs and outside linebackers, Rankin served as running backs mentor for two seasons at Division III powerhouse Allegheny College from 1986 to 1987.
From there, he served one season as defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Defiance (Ohio) College, then returned to Pennsylvania and spent three seasons at Gannon University, where he was assistant head coach, offensive and recruiting coordinator, and running backs coach.
Ron and his wife, Stephanie, have three children: Marissa, Peter and Rena.
