Official release via U-M Media Relations
Hoke Hires Ravens Coordinator Greg Mattison to Run Wolverines Defense
ANN ARBOR – University of Michigan football coach Brady Hoke hired one of the NFL’s top defensive coordinators to run the Wolverines defense, naming Greg Mattison to the same position that he previously held in Ann Arbor during the 1995 and 1996 seasons. Mattison served as the defensive line coach for the Wolverines from 1992-96.
“Greg loves Michigan, loves recruiting and is excited about coming back to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan,” said Hoke. “Greg is one of the top defensive coordinators in football, and his defensive units have always prided themselves on stopping the run. He will be a great asset to our program and an excellent addition to our staff.”
An experienced, proven defensive coach, Mattison brings to Ann Arbor 12 years of defensive coordinator experience at the collegiate level and two seasons in the NFL. During his time at the collegiate level, he coached 18 future NFL players, including seven student-athletes drafted in the first three rounds and two first-round picks.
Mattison completed his third season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2010. He was the team’s defensive coordinator for two seasons (2009-10) after joining the staff as the linebackers coach in 2008. The Ravens finished as the No. 3 overall unit during his first season as coordinator and followed up with a No. 10 ranking this season.
Prior to his first foray into the NFL ranks, Mattison spent more than 30 years at the collegiate level, most recently as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the University of Florida for three seasons (2005-07). His defenses ranked among the top 10 nationally in rushing defense each of his three seasons. Mattison helped the Gators win the 2006 National Championship and SEC Championship. His defense held Ohio State to 82 yards of total offense in a 41-14 victory in the BCS National Championship Game.
Mattison spent eight seasons (1997-2004) at Notre Dame before making the jump to Gainesville. He was hired as the team’s defensive coordinator and alternated between coaching the linebackers and defensive line during his first five seasons. Mattison served as the Irish’s recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach his final three seasons with the program (2002-04).
During his previous stint in Ann Arbor, Mattison coached the defensive line (1992-96) and was the team’s defensive coordinator in his final two seasons (1995-96). The Wolverines defense ranked among the top 20 nationally in many statistical categories during his two seasons as coordinator.
Mattison has gained a wealth of experience during his coaching career. He also held coaching stints at Texas A&M (1989-91), Navy (1987-88), Western Michigan (1982-86), Northwestern (1978-80), Cornell (1977) and Illinois (1976). Mattison was head coach at Logan High School in La Crosse, Wis., for two seasons (1974-75). He began his coaching career as head coach at Riverdale High School in Muscoda, Wis. (1971-73).
He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1971. He was team captain for the football and wrestling teams as a junior and senior. Mattison earned All-America honors in wrestling and was named the Offensive MVP for the football team as a senior.
Mattision and his wife, Ann, have two adult children: Lisa and Bryan. Lisa was a three-time All-Big East selection as a member of the Notre Dame softball team. Bryan was a two-time captain and three-year starter at defensive end for the University of Iowa football team.
