|
| Matt Moore played for Northwestern from 1995 to 1998 and now will be the Eagles' head coach. Northwestern (Minn.) athletics image |
The University of Northwestern announced Tuesday, April 18, that Matt Moore has been named head football coach. Moore – who has been on staff at Northwestern for over a decade – takes over the reins after most recently serving as the defensive coordinator at UNW for the past three seasons.
Moore replaces Kirk Talley, who left in March after 16 seasons as head coach to take an assistant coaching job in Florida. Northwestern went 9-2 last fall and reached the NCAA playoffs for the first time.
"I am both thrilled and honored to be the new head football coach at the University of Northwestern," said Moore. "As an alum, Northwestern holds a special place in my heart. I can't think of a better university, or a better group of people to work with. I'm blessed to be surrounded by exceptional faculty and staff. And I look forward to serving our great student body and alumni in this new capacity."
In his short time as the Eagles' defensive coordinator, Moore developed a defense that ranked nationally in a number of statistical categories. Most notably, Moore's unit limited opponents to the fewest passing yards per game among any team in the country in 2015.
Moore came to Northwestern after teaching in the public school system for 13 years. During his time as a teacher, Moore was the on-set advisor for the weekly Minnesota Vikings Huddle children's television show. He was named the NFL Fuel-Up Play 60 program co-advisor of the year for the state of Minnesota in 2013. He was also a nominee for the prestigious Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award in 2014.
In addition to his time on the sidelines at Northwestern, Moore also had coaching stints at Greenville, East Texas Baptist and Bethel.
The Western Springs, Ill., native was a member of the Northwestern (Minn.) football program from 1995-98 where he was an all-conference defensive end for the Eagles. Moore played for long-time Northwestern coach Jimmy Miller after graduating from Lyons Township High School – a school that competes within Illinois' largest class (8A).
"I'm excited to have Coach Moore as the new football coach at the University of Northwestern," said Matt Hill, vice president of athletics and student life. "The Eagle family welcomes one of their own to lead this program. I've known Matt for almost 20 years as he has served in many football coaching roles at his alma matter over the past 20 seasons. Coach Moore has played for and coached with the two past head coaches at UNW, and he will continue to lead these young men as they compete with purpose."
Moore and his wife Carrie have two children, Brody and Ava. The Moore family resides in Blaine, Minn.
Moore said, "I'm honored to be affiliated with men like Mel Boehland, Chub Reynolds, Jimmy Miller and Kirk Talley. To follow in their footsteps as the head football coach at UNW is a privilege. I will do everything I can to honor the legacy those men have left here, and continue with a winning tradition that glorifies Christ. Go Eagles!"