Any career days at elementary school were formalities for Matthew Scott.
Edinboro University’s new football coach knew as early as first grade he wanted to coach that sport once his playing days were done.
“I was the kid who had my notebook out and wrote down all the guys who were getting drafted (into the NFL),” Scott said. “I played backyard football with my buddies all day and all night.”
“Playing was so much fun that I couldn’t shut it off.”
That football faucet will remain open for Scott thanks to Edinboro’s administration and athletic department. President Jon Anderson introduced the Pittsburgh native as the 17th head coach in the team’s history during Thursday’s formal introduction ceremony at McComb Fieldhouse.
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The Fighting Scots athletic department announced Scott as Jake Nulph’s successor two weeks ago. Nulph resigned after five years to become the athletic director for Kiski Area High School in Leechburg.
Scott returns to the western Pennsylvania football scene from the University of New Haven (Connecticut). He was the defensive coordinator for the Chargers, a traditional NCAA Division II power.
Scott’s coaching career has already spanned college football’s three levels. His resume includes stints at Division III Susquehanna University and Division I University of Albany (New York).
Each stop reinforced that coaching football was Scott’s calling.
“Every Saturday, you’re still ready to go,” he said. “Even though you’re not strapping (on the pads) anymore, you’re still ready to rock.”
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Restoring success to Edinboro football
Scott mentioned amid Thursday’s podium speech to Edinboro’s returning players and other athletic personnel how he’s glad to assume leadership of a program that’s experienced past success.
Not recent success, though. The Scots’ last winning record was in 2018, when they went 6-5 for Wayne Bradford, their coach before Nulph.
Defeating IUP this Oct. 4 would help end that drought. Scott’s current team is scheduled to face his alma mater that day at the Crimson Hawks’ George P. Miller Stadium.
There was no coach speak from the former IUP defensive lineman about that matchup being just another game.
“It’s going to be an amazing experience,” Scott said. “A lot of the guys that coached me are still there. It will definitely be exciting, but I’ll definitely want to beat them.”
Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNcopper.
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