Ruffing joins Otzelberger’s staff as assistant

Chuck Ruffing has been appointed as an assistant coach following a season in the same role at Western Illinois during 2025-26. His coaching career is highlighted by a successful two-year tenure as head coach at Bryant & Stratton College, where he led the team to its first NJCAA National Tournament appearance and victory in program history. Under his leadership, the Bobcats achieved a record-breaking 29-7 season and secured the NJCAA Region 4 Championship.

Before his time with the Bobcats, Ruffing gained experience as an assistant coach at several NCAA Division III institutions, including Marian, Wisconsin Lutheran and Rockford. Notably, during his time at Marian, he contributed to the program’s second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. He also has experience as a head coach at the high school level with West Bend East.

A native of De Pere, Wisconsin, Ruffing’s background includes playing college basketball for both Marian and Concordia Chicago, where he earned honors as a NACC Scholar-Athlete.