Norwich University

RJ Malson enters his fifth season as the defensive line coach for the football team in 2024, having recently added recruiting coordinator and video coordinator responsibilities after joining the coaching staff in August of 2020.

Before settling in Northfield, Malson had spent the previous three years as a defensive line coach at Western New England.  In his first two years in the role of graduate assistant, he reviewed game film and statistical reports for game operations while also designing and implementing a field goal block unit that led the nation in blocked kicks in 2018.  In his final season with the Golden Bears, he was hired full-time as the team’s special teams coordinator and defensive line coach, and his field goal block and punt block units ranked within the top 10 nationally.  

Before working at WNE, Malson gained traction as a defensive line coach at Milliken University in 2016, where he handled the scheduling and implementation of practice and drills for the team’s defensive linemen.

Malson began coaching at his alma mater, Thiel College, as an assistant coach for the defensive line during the 2015 season.

At Thiel, he earned his bachelor’s degree in history and was a member of the Tomcats’ football team after transferring from the University of Mount Union.

In his final season with the Tomcats as an athlete, Malson posted 52 tackles, including 23 solo tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble as a defensive end.  He was also a decorated member of the track and field team, winning the Presidents’ Athletic Conference indoor track and field championship in the shot put.  He holds the Thiel indoor track and field record in the shot put for longest toss at 47’ 8” (14.53m).

Malson can often be heard as a commentator on the Norwich wrestling team's home broadcasts.

Malson and his wife, Haley, reside in Montpellier with their dog, Loki, and two cats, Nala and Mochi.