Ryan Stewart joined the Valparaiso football staff prior to the 2010 season as a student assistant, and helped to coach the Crusader defensive backs.  In 2011 Stewart returns to the sidelines, shifting his focus to the Brown and Gold’s linebackers.

Stewart arrived at Valpo after spending 2003-2008 as a member of the United States Army, where he served as an Army Airborne Ranger. He is a combat veteran with tours serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.  In 2005 he became a member of the U.S. Army Parachute team the "Golden Knights".  He has since been medically retired from the Army, and is the recipient of a Bronze Star with Valor as well as two Purple Hearts.

Following his military career, Stewart went to Boise State University from 2008 to 2010, where he was a student assistant for the Broncos.  He also has previous coaching experience as a co-defensive coordinator for Heritage High School, as well as working for four years at camps directed by former Chicago Bear Donnell Woolford.

Stewart is currently working on completing his bachelor’s degree at Valpo in history.