Coach Rick Thompson enters his 12th season as Defensive Coordinator for the Lions in 2025, bringing with him 13 years of experience coaching the team's linebackers. Under his expert leadership, the Lions' defense has flourished, with an impressive 72 players earning All-HCAC honors—35 First-Team, 28 Second-Team, and 9 Honorable Mentions. Thompson's coaching expertise has also led to the recognition of standout athletes, including D3Football.com All-American DeShawn Starks, and five D3Football.com All-Region selections: Noah Hammond (Second-Team), DeShawn Starks (Second-Team), Nate Owens (Third-Team), Jack Tucker (Second-Team), and Luke Paff (Second-Team).

Thompson played a pivotal role in mentoring Noah Hammond, the 2022 HCAC Defensive Player of the Year, who tied the MSJ Single-Season Sack record, and DeShawn Starks, the 2023 NCAA interceptions leader. In 2024, Jack Tucker won HCAC Defensive Player of the Year honors, and freshman Luke Fortkamp claimed the Newcomer of the Year award, adding to Thompson's growing legacy of player development.

In 2024, the Lions' defense ranked #2 in the HCAC in total defense, finishing second in interceptions with 15 and third in sacks with 19. Their rush defense was dominant, allowing just 3.7 yards per attempt, and Jack Tucker ranked third in the conference in tackles for loss (12.5). Additionally, Luke Paff led the conference in interceptions with 6.

The 2023 season saw the Lions’ defense again rank #2 in the HCAC in Total Defense, allowing just 23.5 points per game. They led the conference in both interceptions (22) and recovered fumbles (10), while also securing top-five rankings in sacks and forced fumbles. Nationally, Thompson’s defense ranked in the top 5 for turnovers forced, totaling 33 on the season.

Thompson’s defensive units have consistently ranked among the best in the HCAC. In 2022, the Lions boasted the conference's top Total Defense for the second consecutive year, with a dominant defensive line leading the way in both run defense and total sacks (29). The Lions' defense has also been recognized for outstanding performances in previous years, including a 17th-place ranking in Pass Defense and a 39th-place ranking in Total Defense during their standout 2021 season. 

Before joining Mount St. Joseph University, Thompson had a distinguished 15-year tenure at Boone County (KY) High School, where he served as Head Coach for 11 seasons and Defensive Coordinator for 11 seasons. His leadership earned him multiple accolades, including the 2004 Kentucky Post Coach of the Year and two-time Cincinnati Bengals High School Coach of the Year. Thompson guided Boone County to numerous state semifinals, regional finals, and district championships.

Thompson is an alumnus of Northern Kentucky University and holds a master's degree from Xavier University. Off the field, he enjoys a fulfilling 33-year marriage to his wife, Mary Kay.