Matt Feeney is in his second season at UTC and his first as the Mocs' defensive coordinator. He came to UTC as a part of head coach Tom Arth's first staff in 2017 and was in charge of the linebackers.
Feeney helped lead a UTC defensive side that was No. 1 in the Southern Conference and No. 25 in the FCS in total defense (326.4). Prior to joining Chattanooga's program, he spent three seasons on Arth’s staff at John Carroll University.
Feeney was a standout linebacker and team captain for the Blue Streaks from 2010-13, earning the Gene Slaughter Most Outstanding Linebacker Award as a senior. This honor goes to the top linebacker in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
After earning his degree in Marketing in 2014, he stepped in as the linebackers coach at JCU. His first season, he coached Kevin Cope to a Gene Slaughter Award and All-American honors. His other linebacker, Jimmy King, also earned second team all-league honors as well.
In 2015, Feeney helped Andy Bryan earn first team All-OAC recognition, while also adding the duties of Special Teams co-Coordinator. Last season, Mason McKenrick also earned the Slaughter Award under Feeney’s guidance. McKenrick was the North Region Defensive Player of the Year and a first team All-American selection. The Blue Streaks defense finished in the top-15 in the nation each of his last three years at John Carroll.
Feeney is married to the former Katie Yoho, who works as a Learning Specialist and Academic Advisor in the Mocs' Student Support Services. The couple has a daughter, Ara, born on May 15, 2018.
What they are saying about Matt Feeney
"Matt embodies all the special traits of a great coach. He's passionate, bright, humble, and competitive. He was one of the most impactful people at John Carroll as both a player and a coach and truly personified "Our Way." UTC is incredibly fortunate to have him as the leader of their defense."
- Brandon Staley - OLB Coach - Chicago Bears
"After getting to know Matt now for a couple of years and talking football with him multiple times, it's easy to see that he has an excellent football mind. He grasps how important it is to be able to play fast as a defensive unit and what to do to keep an offense off balance. I think he will be an excellent play-caller and he will continue to come up with sound ideas that put his players in the best spots possible to be able to make plays. He is an excellent communicator, he won't flinch and is mentally tough. Great hire by head coach
Tom Arth."
- Jonathan Gannon - DB Coach - Minnesota Vikings
"I had
Matt Feeney his first year of coaching and I knew right away he was a star. He is an extremely intelligent football coach who has a natural feel for the game. In addition, he is a great teacher and communicator who cares about and builds relationships with his players. I have 100% confidence Matt will do a phenomenal job in leading the Mocs defense."
- Chris Shula - LB Coach – Los Angeles Rams
"With the promotion of
Matt Feeney to defensive coordinator, Chattanooga football is getting one of the most diligent workers and brightest young minds in college football and his impact on their defense will be recognized immediately. Congrats and best of luck to Coach Feeney and the Mocs."
- Frank Ross - Pro Scout - New England Patriots
