Mario “Rio” Byrd joined the Johns Hopkins football staff in 2023 as the Defensive Line Coach and on February 27, 2024, took on additional duties as the program’s Recruiting Coordinator. Byrd is a graduate of Christopher Newport University (CNU).
In his first season on staff (2023), Byrd’s defensive line helped anchor one of the most formidable units in the country. Under his coaching, Hopkins’ defensive front enabled the team to allow just 128.9 rushing yards per game and accumulate 39 sacks—tying for 23rd in the nation at 3.0 sacks per game. He also guided multiple players to postseason honors, including an All-American, an Academic All-American, three Academic All-District selections, and three All-Conference laurels.
