He began his coaching career as an assistant at Langston University, where he obtained his college degree in 1995.[3] He then joined his father's staff at Arkansas and remained there for ten seasons.[2] During his time with the Razorbacks, he coached teams that went to two Final Fours and won the 1994 NCAA championship.
In 2000, Richardson was named head coach at Tennessee State University. He went 10-19 and 11-17 in his first two seasons, then began the 2002–03 season 2-5 before he was suspended for violating University policy against bringing guns on campus. Richardson allegedly brought a gun into the Tigers' basketball arena after an argument with assistant coach Hosea Lewis. Richardson ultimately resigned his position.[4]
National champion
Postseason invitational champion
Conference regular season champion
Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
Division regular season champion
Division regular season and conference tournament champion
Conference tournament champion