DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University men's soccer head coach Ryan Swan announced on Wednesday (July 17) the addition of Ryan Blair to the Huskie staff as an assistant coach. Blair joins NIU following two seasons as an assistant at Tiffin University. 

"Ryan is a fantastic addition to our staff," said Swan. "He has a lot of experience on the recruiting and coaching side through his time at Tiffin and he has hit the ground running here in DeKalb. I look forward to our recruits getting to meet him in the very near future."

Blair spent two seasons at Tiffin, helping the Dragons reach the NCAA Division II Tournament in each of those two years. In 2023, Tiffin posted a 14-3-3 overall record, winning the regular season and tournament titles in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) while reaching the NCAA Tournament Second Round. Blair helped mentor three all-region honorees, including Amara Kamara, who was named to the D2CCA All-America Third Team. 

In his first season with the Dragons in 2002, Blair helped Tiffin to a 10-4-4 mark, which included a GMAC regular season title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament Second Round. John Oshakpemhe earned D2CCA Third Team All-America honors and Blair helped nine Dragons earn all-conference recognition. 

"I am incredibly appreciative of the chance to become a member of the NIU team," said Blair. "I am thrilled to work with Coach Swan and Coach (Nick) Roman because I think they will both be excellent mentors for me as I develop as a coach. Additionally, I am excited to support the team in its return to championship success and making progress in the NCAA tournament."

A native of Glasgow, Scotland, Blair began his coaching career at his alma mater, Oakland City University, spending two seasons with the Mighty Oaks. During his second year in 2021, Oakland City posted a 13-9-1 mark and reached the NCCAA National Tournament. 

As a player, Blair spent four years at Oakland City (2015-18), earning NCCAA All-Region honors twice (2017, '18). Blair also played for Little Rock Rangers in USL League Two.