After missing one season as a member of the coaching staff, Rich Ruiz returns for his sixth season with the Falcons. In his first stint, he spent five years working with the running backs after a year with the linebackers, and comes back as the team’s tight ends coach. Prior to coming to Cerritos, Ruiz spent 10 years coaching linebackers and running backs for Marijon Ancich at St. Paul High, while two of his former players played in the PAC-10, with Dwight Tardy at Washington State University and Nick Grigsby at the University of Arizona. Additionally, linebacker Matt Parent played at the University of New Hampshire, while he also coached Lorenzo Goode and Cerritos, who led the Mission Conference in rushing for the Falcons. Additionally, Ruiz coached  running back, Duane Bowen, received a scholarship to play at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

During his playing days, Ruiz was a two-year lettermen in football and track and field at St. Paul High and graduated in 1986. As a defensive captain, he started at defensive back, while also playing running back and was a teammate of Frank Mazzotta Jr. He was an All-Angelus League selection at defensive back, while also earning All-San Gabriel Valley and All-Whittier Area recognition. Additionally, Ruiz ran the 400 meters and ran a leg of the mile relay. Ruiz received a Division 1AA scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where an injury ended his playing career.

A resident of Whittier, Ruiz and his wife Evelyn have four children; Jessica (a student at UCLA), Rico, Demi and Marcus.