Tag: Western Michigan

Greg Mattison

Birthdate: November 15, 1949

Coaching Experience: Nearly 40 years with stints at every level.

After graduating from The University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 1971, Mattison coached two high school programs in Wisconsin; at Riverdale (Muscoda, WI) from ‘71-73 and at Logan (La Crosse, WI) from ‘74-75.

In 1976, Mattison started his college coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Illinois. After that, he had short stays at Cornell (‘77), Northwestern (‘78-80), Western Michigan (with Jack Harbaugh – ‘82-86) and with Navy (‘87-88). Then Mattison got his first "big" gig at Texas A&M as their defensive line coach from ‘89-91. While at A&M, Mattison fielded one of the country’s best defenses for three years in a row. In 1989 the Aggies were #13 in total defense, in 1990 they were #19 and in 1991 they were the top rated defense in the country allowing only 222 yards per game. Ann Arbor was Mattison’s next stop where he would coach the defensive line and serve as defensive coordinator during his final two seasons with the Wolverines from ‘92-96. While at coordinator in 1995, UM ranked 11th in total defense (allowed 286 ypg.) and ranked third in rushing defense (90 ypg.) In 96, the Wolverines gave up only 15.2 points per game, which ranked 8th in the country. From 1997 to 2004 Mattison was at Notre Dame where he was the d-line coach and recruiting coordinator. Finally from 2005-07, he was named co-defensive coordinator with Charlie Strong at Florida. In ‘06 his defense led the Gators to the SEC and National Titles. During that National Title game UF’s defense held Ohio State to an amazing 82 total yards, resulting in a dominant 41-14 victory.

Continue reading “Coach Biography: Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison”

Greg Mattison

Birthdate: November 15, 1949

Coaching Experience: Nearly 40 years with stints at every level.

After graduating from The University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 1971, Mattison coached two high school programs in Wisconsin; at Riverdale (Muscoda, WI) from ‘71-73 and at Logan (La Crosse, WI) from ‘74-75.

In 1976, Mattison started his college coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Illinois. After that, he had short stays at Cornell (‘77), Northwestern (‘78-80), Western Michigan (with Jack Harbaugh – ‘82-86) and with Navy (‘87-88). Then Mattison got his first "big" gig at Texas A&M as their defensive line coach from ‘89-91. While at A&M, Mattison fielded one of the country’s best defenses for three years in a row. In 1989 the Aggies were #13 in total defense, in 1990 they were #19 and in 1991 they were the top rated defense in the country allowing only 222 yards per game. Ann Arbor was Mattison’s next stop where he would coach the defensive line and serve as defensive coordinator during his final two seasons with the Wolverines from ‘92-96. While at coordinator in 1995, UM ranked 11th in total defense (allowed 286 ypg.) and ranked third in rushing defense (90 ypg.) In 96, the Wolverines gave up only 15.2 points per game, which ranked 8th in the country. From 1997 to 2004 Mattison was at Notre Dame where he was the d-line coach and recruiting coordinator. Finally from 2005-07, he was named co-defensive coordinator with Charlie Strong at Florida. In ‘06 his defense led the Gators to the SEC and National Titles. During that National Title game UF’s defense held Ohio State to an amazing 82 total yards, resulting in a dominant 41-14 victory.

The Baltimore Ravens hired Mattison as their linebackers coach in 2008. The next season he was named d-coordinator. During his stay in Baltimore, Mattison always fielded a great defense. While coaching the Ravens his defenses ranked #2, #3 and #10 in total defense for the NFL.

Brady Hoke made a home run hire in Mattison. Not only is he a great coach, he is an outstanding recruiter, motivator and he understands what it is like to be a coach at The University of Michigan. There is a lot of work to do in Ann Arbor on the defensive side of the ball, but I have no doubt that Greg Mattison will meet that challenge head on and return the Michigan defense to where it belongs.

GO BLUE!!!