Returning to West Haven prior to the 2017 season, Matthew Scott enters his sixth season as the Chargers Defensive Coordinator, helping orchestrate a defense that has been among the top in the Nation every season during his tenure.
In the six seasons since Scott returned to the Blue and Gold turf at Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium, the Chargers have a 48-18 record, have won two Northeast-10 Conference Championships, including its first since 2012 and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs four times, including advancing to the second round in 2018 and 2021.
Individually, under his tutelage, 30 Chargers have been named to NE10 All-Conference Teams, defensively, including 15 players earning All-Conference First Team distinction. Also among the individual defensive honors for the Chargers under Scott is David Onyemem who earned Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-East Region Second Team Honors following the 2022 season and Giye Jenkins and Jack Quander who earned major NE10 awards following the 2023 campaign, while Jenkins was also named an Associated Press Second Team All-American.
In addition to the individual accolades this past season, Scott helped lead the defense to yet more national rankings as the Chargers were third in the nation in total tackles for loss allowed (3.55) and third among all of NCAA Division II in team passing efficiency defense (91.47). Additionally, the Chargers were ninth in the country in total sacks allowed (0.82) and 17th in the nation in scoring defense (13.8).
In the 2022 season, Scott’s defensive unit was again among the best in the nation, finishing 14th in scoring defense and 23rd in total defense. Additionally, the Chargers were 13th in all of NCAA Division II in red zone defense and 14th in the country in rushing defense.
A year prior, the Chargers defensive unit was once again among the best in the country, finishing out the season eighth in scoring defense, 22nd in total defense and sixth in the country in red zone defense.
Prior to his return to West Haven, Scott was the Defensive Coordinator for two seasons at Susquehanna. Before taking over the River Hawks defensive responsibilities, he served a five year stint, four seasons working with the cornerbacks before transitioning to outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at the University at Albany.
In two seasons at Susquehanna, Scott helped lead the River Hawks to an 11-9 overall record, while coaching three defensive All-Conference performers including cornerback Danial Shelton who was named the Centennial Conference Rookie of the Year in 2016. Additionally, his defense helped the Rivers Hawks offense to the third best passing offense while also ranking as the third best passing defense in the Centennial in 2015.
During his five-year tenure at Albany, Scott helped lead the Great Danes to Northeast Conference titles in 2011 and 2012, while in the summer of 2013, he was selected by the NFL’s Buffalo Bills as a Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship participant.
Prior to Albany, Scott made his first appearance as an assistant at New Haven, coaching the safeties and linebackers while also serving as the video coordinator under head coach Pete Rossomando. He also spent the spring of 2008 as the defensive line coach at his alma mater, Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in physical education and sport with a minor in business and went on to gain a master’s in business administration during his time at New Haven.
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