Tom Rinaldi joined the Southeastern coaching staff prior to 2022 season as the defensive line coach. He was previously a defensive analyst and a strength and conditioning intern with the Lions for the 2020 and 2021 campaigns.
The 2024 season saw three student-athletes earn All-Southland Conference honors under Rinaldi’s leadership. Warren Peeples represented SLU on the first team, while Kaleb Proctor and Shemar Pearl earned second team All-SLC honors.
In 2023, Rinaldi led a group that was highlighted by Arlen Williams. Williams was named to the All-Southland Conference team for the second straight season under Rinaldi’s leadership. Rinaldi was also featured with Fox Sports personality Tom Rinaldi on Fox Sports Big Noon Kickoff pregame show.
His 2022 defensive line helped Southeastern to its first Southland Conference championship since the 2014 season. Williams earned All-Southland Conference honors, while Garrett Crawford was named to the Southland Conference All-Academic team under Rinaldi’s tutelage.
Rinaldi started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Bridgeport Central High School, coaching defensive line and tight ends. Prior to coming to Hammond, Rinaldi spent as season as the defensive line coach at Post University in his hometown of Waterbury, Connecticut.
Rinaldi played baseball at Central Connecticut State University and University of Bridgeport. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from Bridgeport in 2016 and then completed his graduate studies in education in 2018.
