Robert “Boomer” Cunningham enters into his sixth season as a member of the SAU Football coaching staff where he will serve as the offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator for the Muleriders.
Over the last three seasons, Cunningham has mentored a talented offensive line unit that have helped protect and pave the way for one of the most prolific offenses in the GAC and all of Division II.
The leader in the GAC in Total Offense each of his first three years at SAU, Cunningham’s offensive line has helped the Muleriders average over 450.0 yards per game and rank in the Top-25 statistically in that category within DII.
On the ground, Cunningham’s 2016 O-Line blocked for a running game that rushed for the most yards in a season since 2005 as the Muleriders ran for just over 2,100 yards. The rushing attack followed that up with over 1,800 yards on the ground in 2017
Through the air, Cunningham’s O-Line has provided protection for one of the top passing attacks in the GAC in recent history with a SAU signal-caller throwing for over 3,000 yards for the fourth-straight year in 2017. Additionally, the offensive line under Cunningham’s direction yielded just six sacks the entire season. That mark was the best in the GAC and second-best in all of DII.
Individually, Cunningham has coached four All-GAC honorees in Mason Grantz (2018), Colby Geissen (2017), Mark Jenkins (2016) and Chris Paul (2016).
Prior to coming to SAU, Cunningham was at LaGrange College where he spent one season as the offensive line coach/run game coordinator. In that year with the Panthers, Cunningham helped shore up an offensive line that allowed 42 sacks the year prior, to just allowing 25 in the 2015 season. The noticeable improvement in pass protection was bolstered by the fact that the line was very young as it featured four starting underclassmen.
Before LaGrange, Cunningham coached at Division I FCS-member, the University of Central Arkansas for six seasons. During his first three seasons, Cunningham served as an assistant offensive line and offensive quality control coach with the Bears.
Following the 2011 season, Cunningham remained as an assistant offensive line coach, but added responsibilities as the recruiting coordinator and director of football operations. Cunningham would serve in those roles for three seasons from 2012-2014.
In his time at UCA, Cunningham helped coach a pair of standout offensive linemen in Cole Caruthers (2014) and Corey Howard (2012). Both Caruthers and Howard were All-Southland Conference First-Team selections as well as being named as the Offensive Lineman of the Year in the SLC. Both also went on to earn All-America honors from various FCS Football media outlets.
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Cunningham began his collegiate playing career at Division II-member Missouri Southern State University. After one season with the Lions, Cunningham transferred to UCA where he played three seasons (two as a starter) along the offensive line. Cunningham also handled deep snapping duties for both the Lions and the Bears.
Recruiting Areas:
Houston, Texas
St. Louis, Missouri
Tulsa/Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
