Ricky Manning was named defensive backs/nickels coach on Feb. 10, 2026

Manning spent the 2024 season as the cornerbacks coach for the Las Vegas Raiders following three seasons (2021-23) as a defensive assistant for the New York Jets. While with New York, he worked with a secondary that finished fifth in the NFL in fewest passing yards allowed per game (168.3) and second in passes defensed (88). He began his NFL coaching career as the assistant defensive backs coach for the Seattle Seahawks, spending two seasons (2016-17) in the role. He began coaching at the high school level, spending one season as the head coach at Edison HS (2012) before moving to Fresno City as the defensive backs coach and special teams coach for two seasons (2013-14). Manning spent the 2015 season as a graduate assistant for Fresno State before heading to Seattle. He also spent three seasons (2018-20) at Clovis North (CA) HS, spending two seasons as defensive backs coach (2018-19) before being promoted to defensive coordinator (2020). 

A third-round selection by the Carolina Panthers in the 2003 NFL Draft, Manning had a six-year NFL playing career as at cornerback with the Panthers (2003-05), Chicago Bears (2006-07) and St. Louis Rams (2008). The Fresno, Calif., native was a four-year starter at UCLA from 1999-2002.