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Greg Mattison
Greg Mattison
Greg Mattison
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Greg Mattison (born November 15, 1949) is an American former football coach, and former player. He spent most of his career in college football as a defensive coach. Mattison coached at Michigan for eleven years, at Notre Dame for seven years, at Florida for three years, including the 2006 national championship team, and at Ohio State for two years. He also served as a defensive assistant for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL.

Key Information

Coaching career

[edit]

At Florida, he served as co-coordinator of the defense with Charlie Strong. Charlie Strong also served as assistant Head Coach and Linebackers coach while Greg also pulled double duty working as the defensive line coach. During this time he was a part of a successful defense and team that went overall 31–8 in games played and won a national championship by beating Ohio State 41–14 in the BCS Championship game in 2006.

Mattison at Michigan, 2012

Prior to his time at Florida, Mattison coached at University of Notre Dame from 1997 to 2004 as the defensive coordinator under Bob Davie until the Ty Willingham era (during which he served as defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator). Prior to his time at Notre Dame, Mattison coached the defensive line at the University of Michigan from 1992 to 1996, while also serving at the defensive coordinator in 1995 and 1996. During his time at Michigan, the Wolverines led the Big Ten Conference in rushing defense four consecutive seasons, holding opponents to 78.6 rushing yards per game in 1992, 87.9 in 1994, and 88.1 in 1995. Mattison's charges also led the conference in total defense twice and scoring defense once. He also coached with Coach Davie at Texas A&M University from 1988 to 1991 while Davie was defensive coordinator. Under head coach R. C. Slocum, the Aggies featured the "Wrecking Crew", a nickname for one of the nation's top-ranked defenses.

On January 26, 2009, Mattison was promoted to defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens; he was the successor of former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.[1] He was the team's linebackers coach, a job he got in part due to his relationship with John Harbaugh. During his time at WMU, Mattison coached alongside John Harbaugh, who was a graduate assistant and assistant coach. Harbaugh, then head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, hired Mattison to coach the Ravens linebackers. The job was Mattison's first NFL coaching position in 37 years of coaching football.

On January 18, 2011, the Ravens announced that Mattison had accepted the defensive coordinator position at the University of Michigan. In returning to Michigan, Mattison reunited with Michigan head coach Brady Hoke, who is a close friend of Mattison's and was the Wolverines' defensive ends coach during Mattison's previous stint as defensive coordinator at Michigan. His contract at Michigan made him among the highest paid college football assistant coaches in the country.[2] He was selected as one of five finalists for the 2011 Broyles Award.[3]

Mattison was a finalist for the head coaching job at Western Michigan University following the 2004 season, a job that eventually went to Bill Cubit. Mattison had served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under Jack Harbaugh at Western Michigan from 1981 to 1986.

Mattison served as co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He shared the role with Jeff Hafley in 2019 and Kerry Coombs in 2020. Mattison retired from coaching following the 2020 season.[4]

Early life and family

[edit]

Mattison is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where he played football and wrestled. He attended high school at Madison East High School in Madison, Wisconsin.

Mattison's son, Bryan Mattison, was a senior captain for the 2007 Iowa Hawkeyes football team, and most recently played for the Kansas City Chiefs, but was released on May 2, 2013. He was previously a member of the Baltimore Ravens and the St. Louis Rams.

Sources

[edit]
  1. ^ Baltimore Ravens Promote Greg Mattison ESPN.com, January 26, 2009
  2. ^ Greg Mattison's contract with Michigan football team AnnArbor.com, February 27, 2011
  3. ^ "Defensive Coordinator Mattison a Finalist for Broyles Award". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. November 28, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
  4. ^ Rittenberg, Adam (January 22, 2021). "Ohio State co-DC Mattison retiring from coaching". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
[edit]
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Greg Mattison

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Greg Mattison (born November 15, 1949) is an American former coach renowned for his expertise in defensive strategies, particularly as a defensive line coach and coordinator, with a career spanning over 40 years that included key roles at major programs like the , , and before his retirement in March 2025. Mattison began his coaching journey as a at the University of Illinois in 1976, following his playing days as a defensive lineman at the . Over the next decade, he held positions such as defensive line coach at (1982–1984) and defensive line coach at the U.S. Naval Academy (1987–1988) and at (1985–1986), building a reputation for developing strong defenses that participated in multiple bowl games. His career gained prominence in the 2000s with stints as at the (2002–2004) and the (2011–2014), where he orchestrated top-ranked defenses and mentored All-American players such as Chris Hutchinson and Jason Horn. In between, Mattison briefly transitioned to the , serving as linebackers coach for the in 2008 and from 2009 to 2010, during which the team achieved a strong 21–11 regular season record and ranked highly in defensive categories. Later in his career, Mattison returned to for a second stint from 2015 to 2018 as defensive line coach, earning the FootballScoop Defensive Line Coach of the Year Award in 2016 for his work with standout players like . He then moved to in 2019 as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, contributing to the Buckeyes' elite defenses in the over the subsequent seasons until his retirement announcement by head coach Ryan Day. Throughout his tenure, Mattison coached in 15 bowl games and influenced numerous Top 20 defenses, leaving a lasting impact on .

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Greg Mattison was born on November 15, 1949, in . He was raised in Madison by his parents, Ralph and Audrey Mattison, alongside his brother Ken. Mattison graduated from Madison East High School in 1967, where he developed an early interest in athletics through three varsity letters in football, , and wrestling.

College years

Greg Mattison attended the , where he earned a in in 1971. During his time there, he was a four-year letter winner in both football and wrestling, contributing to the programs under legendary coach Roger Harring. His involvement in these sports provided foundational experience in competitive athletics, aligning with his academic focus on . As a standout performer, Mattison served as team captain for both the football and wrestling teams during his senior year, demonstrating on the field and mat. In football, he played under Harring's inaugural seasons, helping build the program's early at the NAIA level. These roles honed his understanding of team dynamics and physical conditioning, skills that would later influence his coaching philosophy. He was inducted into the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Athletics Hall of Fame in 1988. Following his undergraduate studies, Mattison pursued advanced education at the University of , earning a in 1977 while gaining initial coaching experience. He began this transition in 1976 as a under Bob Blackman, assisting with the football program and marking his entry into collegiate coaching. This position allowed him to blend academic pursuits with practical involvement in defensive strategies, bridging his playing background to a professional path in athletics.

Coaching career

High school positions

After graduating from the in 1971 with a in , where he had been a four-year letterwinner in football, Greg Mattison transitioned directly into as a at Riverdale High School in Muscoda, Wisconsin. Mattison took over the Riverdale program in 1971 at the age of 22, inheriting a struggling team that had won just three games over the previous eight seasons. In his first season, he led the team to four victories, marking a significant turnaround for the small-school program through focused efforts on building discipline and basic skills amid limited resources. He remained through 1973, using the role to gain foundational experience in program rebuilding and player mentoring in a rural setting. In 1974, Mattison moved to Logan High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin, as head coach, continuing his work in small-school environments where he emphasized player development and team fundamentals. Over two seasons (1974–1975), his teams achieved notable success, including two city championships and a conference title, with the 1975 squad going undefeated, earning the No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll, and winning the state championship. These accomplishments highlighted his ability to navigate competitive challenges in urban-area high school football while fostering hard work and growth among athletes, several of whom later attracted college attention. During his high school tenure from 1971 to 1975, Mattison compiled experience that shaped his early philosophy, centered on fundamentals, player molding, and instilling a strong to overcome program deficits. This period laid the groundwork for his emphasis on development over immediate results, preparing him for higher levels of .

College roles

Mattison began his college coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Illinois in 1976. He then served as defensive line coach at in 1977, followed by the same role at from 1978 to 1980. He served as and linebackers coach at from 1981 to 1986. Mattison continued as defensive line coach at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1987 to 1988 and at from 1989 to 1991, where his unit contributed to a championship in 1991. Mattison joined the for his first stint in 1992 as defensive line coach, a role he maintained through 1994. Promoted to in 1995, he led the unit through the 1996 season, during which Michigan's defense ranked among the nation's elite, including leading the Big Ten in rushing defense at 78.6 yards allowed per game in 1992. Under his guidance, the Wolverines secured a Big Ten co-championship in 1992 and appeared in the Rose Bowl. Notable players coached during this period included All-Americans Chris Hutchinson and Jason Horn, as well as future talents like Rob Malik. In 1997, Mattison moved to the as , serving in that capacity until 2001 before transitioning to defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator from 2002 to 2004. His defenses at Notre Dame ranked in the top 25 nationally in total defense multiple times, emphasizing gap integrity and player fundamentals. Mattison joined the in 2005 as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, positions he held through 2007. The Gators compiled a 31-8 record during his tenure, including a 13-1 mark in 2006 that culminated in an SEC championship and a BCS victory over State (41-14), where Florida's defense limited the Buckeyes to 82 total yards. He coached standouts like All-SEC Derrick and NFL draftees and , instilling a philosophy centered on tackling technique, blow delivery, and relentless pursuit to the ball. Mattison returned to Michigan in 2011 as , serving until 2014, then shifting to defensive line coach from 2015 to 2018. His 2011 unit ranked 7th nationally in total defense (302.4 yards per game), earning him a finalist spot for the as the nation's top assistant coach. In 2012, the defense allowed just 19.8 points per game, 4th in the Big Ten. As defensive line coach, he earned $525,000 annually in his final two seasons and developed All-Big Ten performers like , , Maurice Hurst, and , several of whom advanced to the NFL. Throughout his Michigan stints, Mattison stressed defensive fundamentals such as communication, gap discipline, and aggressive play to create turnovers and third-down stops. In 2019, Mattison joined as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. He contributed to the Buckeyes' elite defenses in the , including top national rankings in total defense and scoring defense during his tenure, and coached players such as and to All-American honors and NFL success. Mattison retired in March 2025 after over 40 years in .

NFL experience

Greg Mattison joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 as linebackers coach under head coach John Harbaugh, marking his entry into professional football after a long college career. In this role, he focused on coaching the team's linebacker corps, including veterans like Ray Lewis, emphasizing fundamentals and aggressive play that aligned with the Ravens' 3-4 defensive scheme. On January 26, 2009, Mattison was promoted to defensive coordinator following Rex Ryan's departure to become head coach of the New York Jets. Inheriting a unit that had ranked second in the NFL in total defense the previous year, Mattison adapted strategies from his college background, particularly his time as co-defensive coordinator at the University of Florida, where he honed a disciplined, run-stopping approach that translated effectively to the pros. Under his coordination in 2009, the Ravens defense ranked sixth in points allowed (261 total, 16.3 per game) and first in rushing yards allowed (991 total, 61.9 per game), though it finished 17th in total yards (4,808). This performance powered Baltimore to a 9-7 record and a playoff run, including a standout divisional-round victory over the New England Patriots, where the defense limited Tom Brady to 154 passing yards and forced two turnovers in a 33-14 win. Mattison's tenure continued into 2010, with the Ravens posting a 12-4 record and again ranking among the league's elite defensively, allowing 270 points (16.9 per game, seventh in the ) while maintaining a top-tier run defense that surrendered just 1,004 rushing yards (second-fewest). His schemes emphasized physicality and versatility, contributing to key moments like the regular-season win over the , where the defense held them to 13 points. Overall, Mattison's impact was evident in player development during the era; Lewis, under his guidance, earned honors in 2009 with 92 tackles and 3.5 sacks, while emerging talents like recorded 7 sacks that year, bolstering the pass rush. Mattison's stint with the Ravens ended after the 2010 season when he left to become at the , driven by a desire to return to coaching and strong to the program, including proximity to loved ones and connections through head coach . John facilitated the departure, allowing Mattison to pursue the opportunity despite the team's success.

Personal life and legacy

Family

Greg Mattison has been married to his wife, Ann, since the mid-1970s; the couple met while attending college in and delayed their wedding until after his early coaching commitments, with Ann providing steadfast support through his career's frequent relocations across multiple states. The Mattisons have two children: daughter Lisa and son Bryan. Lisa, an all-conference softball player at Notre Dame, owns a store in Ann Arbor and has two children; her pregnancy in 2010 was a key factor in Greg's decision to return to in 2011 for greater family proximity. Bryan Mattison followed in his father's footsteps as a player, serving as a senior captain and defensive end for the 2007 Iowa Hawkeyes. After a brief professional career, including a stint with the where he was released on May 2, 2013, Bryan transitioned to coaching, serving as defensive coordinator at in , starting in 2013 (as of 2013). Family considerations have significantly shaped Mattison's career path, including his return to to be near Lisa and her young family, as well as earlier multiple stints in Wisconsin-area programs tied to his longstanding family roots there.

Retirement and impact

In March 2025, Greg Mattison announced his retirement from coaching after over 40 years in , following the 2024 season with where he served as co-defensive coordinator. This decision marked the end of a distinguished tenure that included over 40 years at the college level, highlighted by contributions to national championships as co-defensive coordinator for the University of Florida's 2006 title and key defensive coaching roles in Ohio State's 2024 championship run. Mattison also earned the 2016 FootballScoop Defensive Line Coach of the Year during his earlier stint at , recognizing his expertise in player development and scheme innovation. Mattison's retirement followed a prior attempt in January 2021, when he stepped away from his role as co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State after the 2020 season, only to unretire shortly thereafter and remain with the program in defensive capacities through 2024. Ohio State Ryan Day praised Mattison's impact at the time, stating, "I want to thank Greg Mattison for everything he has done." The family played a significant role in his final retirement decision, allowing more time for personal priorities after decades of demanding travel. Mattison's legacy endures through his development of numerous NFL talents, including defensive linemen who excelled in professional schemes derived from his emphasis on technique and fundamentals, as well as his innovative 4-3 defensive alignments that influenced multiple programs. He mentored a generation of coaches, many of whom advanced to coordinator and head positions, fostering a philosophy of relentless preparation and adaptability. Post-retirement, Mattison expressed intentions to remain involved in football through consulting or advisory roles while prioritizing family time.

References

  1. https://pro-football-history.com/coach/2707/greg-mattison-bio
  2. https://www.footballscoop.com/2025/03/04/greg-mattison-to-retire-after-40-years-in-college-football
  3. https://247sports.com/coach/greg-mattison-1354/
  4. https://www.wifca.org/news_article/show/141781-greg-mattison-michigan-notre-dame-florida
  5. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2019/01/101432/what-to-know-new-co-defensive-coordinator-greg-mattison-brings-four-decades-of-coaching-experience-from-michigan-to
  6. https://mgoblog.com/content/greg-mattison-file
  7. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/MattGr0.htm
  8. https://www.kratzfuneralhome.com/obituary/Audrey-Mattison
  9. https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/greg-mattison/319
  10. https://uwlathletics.com/honors/wall-of-fame/gregory-mattison/117
  11. https://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/uw-la-crosse-football-roger-harring-era-michigan%2527s-greg-mattison
  12. https://wktysports.com/2014/10/24/michigan-coach-credits-career-to-years-at-logan/
  13. https://floridagators.com/news/2005/2/7/8050
  14. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2062545/bio/
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/735993/2018/12/27/family-brought-greg-mattison-back-to-michigan-where-a-46-year-passion-for-coaching-is-still-going-strong/
  16. https://mgoblue.com/news/2011/1/18/Hoke_Hires_Ravens_Coordinator_Greg_Mattison_to_Run_Wolverines_Defense
  17. https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/greg-mattison/260
  18. https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/michigan-defensive-coordinator-greg-mattisons-nfl-experience-brings-new-bite-to-pressuring-quarterba/
  19. http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/coach/careerhistory/_/id/3236/greg-mattison
  20. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1992.html
  21. https://www.maizenbrew.com/2011/1/20/1944414/getting-to-know-michigan-footballs-new-defensive-coordinator-greg
  22. https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2011/07/greg_mattison_on_wdfn.html
  23. https://broylesaward.com/coaches/greg-mattison/
  24. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2019/01/07/defensive-line-coach-greg-mattison-departs-michigan-ohio-state/2503884002/
  25. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/film-study/2019/01/101656/film-study-what-buckeye-fans-can-expect-from-a-greg-mattison-defense
  26. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/mattison-does-it-his-own-way-7746725
  27. https://africa.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3862148
  28. https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2010/01/14/mattisons-style-a-key-to-success-of-ravens-defense/31739182007/
  29. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rav/2009.htm
  30. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/10/07/greg-mattison-michigan
  31. https://fightingirish.com/lisa-mattison-selected-as-big-east-player-of-the-week/
  32. https://hawkeyesports.com/news/2007/08/26/24-football-is-a-mattison-family-tradition
  33. https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/sports/high-school/2013/07/14/high-school-football-new-labor-of-love-fine-for-mattiso/46396513/
  34. https://www.footballscoop.com/news/greg-mattison-footballscoop-2016-defensive-line-coach-year/
  35. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30758861/ohio-state-co-dc-greg-mattison-retiring-coaching
  36. https://247sports.com/college/ohio-state/longformarticle/ohio-state-buckeyes-football-coach-ryan-day-discusses-off-season-plans-for-team-159730787/
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