West Texas A&M University Athletics

Justin Richter is in his fourth season on staff for the Buffaloes including his second campaign as Defensive Coordinator.

His first season leading the West Texas A&M defense featured the Buffs ranking 32nd nationally in team tackles for loss (6.8/game) while also ranking 41st in team sacks (2.42/game). The Buffalo defense featured five All-Lone Star Conference selection highlighted by First Team honoree Jamel Acosta-Lewis.

The Buffs made an appearance in the program’s seventh bowl game in 2025 as they defeated Arkansas Tech in the Heritage Bowl Powered by Riot. WT finished the season riding a four-game win streak with an 8-4 overall record.

Richter previously served as the Co-Special Teams Coordinator for the Buffaloes. Richter was named to the Dave Campbell's Texas Football 40-Under-40 List in the summer of 2025.

Richter returned to Canyon in 2023 following six seasons at Missouri Western State where he worked with the team’s defensive backs while serving as the Defensive Coordinator since 2018. The 2021 campaign saw the Griffons allow just 11 touchdowns on the ground while forcing 21 total turnovers (13 interceptions, eight fumbles). 
 
The Truth or Consequences, New Mexico native is no stranger to the Texas Panhandle as he spent the 2015 season at WT working with wide receivers. Richter also has coaching stops at UC-Berkeley, New Mexico, Angelo State and New Mexico Military Institute. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from University of Saint Mary (Kanas).