Bio

Eduardo Pacheco joined the RCC football coaching staff in 2016 and is in charge of linebackers. He also serves as the Director of Multimedia for the Tigers' social media accounts.

In his first season with Riverside in 2016, Pacheco helped the Tigers to their fourth straight National Central Conference Championship. Since 2016, the Tigers have boasted an 87-12 record and won two 3C2A State Championships (2019, 2023).  Since joining the staff at Riverside, Pacheco has seen over 35 linebackers sign scholarships to play at the next level, including 14 Division I transfers. He has coached six All-3C2A selections, three All-Americans and four SCFA Defensive Players of the Year. 

In 2018, the Tigers boasted the fourth-best defense in the state with opponent points per game, sixth in run defense, and sixth in sacks. That year, outside linebacker and defensive end Mitchell Agude earned all-conference honors under Pacheco and went on to play at UCLA. After graduation, Agude spent time with the Miami Dolphins and currently plays for the Detroit Lions. 

The following year, RCC ranked second in the state in interceptions and sixth in the 3C2A in run defense and opposing points per game. The Tigers went on to win the 3C2A State Championship and finish as National Champions. 

Riverside was the top team in the state in sacks in 2024 and ranked sixth in run defense. 

Before joining RCC, Pacheco coached for eight seasons (2008-15) at Citrus College, serving as defensive linebacker coach for two seasons and defensive coordinator for six. In 2013, Citrus posted an 8-3 record, including the first bowl game victory for the Owls in 25 years, and finished No. 6 in the SCFA and had the fourth-best defense in the state. From 2010-15, Pacheco saw 24 Division I transfers as defensive coordinator, including Dane Cruikshank (CB), who transferred from Citrus and was eventually drafted to the NFL by the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round (152nd overall).

As a player, Pacheco prepped three varsity seasons for the Eagles, earning All-League honors and helping Etiwanda to a league championship in 1995. Pacheco was part of two Etiwanda playoff teams in 1995 and 1996. Pacheco also served as the Team Captain and was named the Lineman MVP in his Senior year.

After a coaching stint at his alma mater, Etiwanda H.S. (three years), Pacheco spent one season at Glen A. Wilson H.S. as the Assistant Defensive Coordinator and helped lead the Wildcats to the second round of the playoffs.

Pacheco is married to his wife, Denise. He considers former Citrus head coach Ron Ponciano, former RCC head coach Tom Craft, and former RCC defensive coordinator James Kuk as his coaching mentors.

Notable Players Under Coach Pacheco

Jesse Kirkland (DL) – Middle Tennessee St

Julian Lewis (DB) – New Mexico

Josh Wiley (LB) – Nevada

Jesse Tauiliili (LB) – Fresno St

Arthur Forest (DB) – Nevada

Rodney Matthews (DB) – Fresno St

Ben Kane (DL) – UTSA

Dane Cruikshank (DB) – Arizona

Sal Velasquez (LB) – Eastern Michigan

Jesus Vargas (DL)

Kenyatta Johnson (DL)

Charles Flowers (DB)

Braxton Brown (DB)

Nick Underwood (LB) – Maryland

Moroni Anae (LB) – Utah

Vic Viramontes (LB) – UNLV

Kue Olotoa (LB) – UNLV

Mitchell Agude (LB) – UCLA

Kobey Fitzgerald (LB) – UCLA

Gage Summers (LB) – Akron

Matt Eskridge (LB) – Sacramento St

Ja’Wuan Nickson (LB) – Eastern Illinois

Kobey Fitzgerald (LB)

Kue Olotoa (LB)

Noa Purcell (LB)

Esaia Bogar (DL)