ANN ARBOR, Mich. – University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday (Jan. 12) that Greg Mattison has been retained and will assume the duties as defensive line coach for the Wolverines. Mattison has worked with Jack and John Harbaugh previously and will work with Jim for the first time in his career.
"I am very excited that Greg will remain here in Ann Arbor to continue coaching at this outstanding University," said Harbaugh, the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach. "He is a coach of the highest caliber who has dedicated his life to molding young men into outstanding people. He has strong bonds with our players and within this community. I have known Greg for a long time, and am so pleased that our relationship will continue here at Michigan."
"Michigan is a special place to me, and I am excited to be a part of Jim's staff," said Mattison. "This University and this community mean a lot to me and my family. Having the opportunity to continue coaching a group I've grown so close to is very special. I look forward to continuing my work with these young men."
Mattison was Michigan’s defensive coordinator for the past four seasons (2011-14). He returned to Ann Arbor in 2011 after spending three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, when in 2009-10 he coordinated one of the NFL's top defensive squads after coaching the linebackers in 2008.
An experienced, proven defensive coach, Mattison brought to Ann Arbor 15 years of defensive coordinator experience at the collegiate level and two seasons in the NFL. During his time at the collegiate level, he has coached 19 future NFL players, including eight student-athletes drafted in the first three rounds and two first-round picks.
Since his return to Michigan in 2011, Mattison's defenses have ranked among the top 20 nationally in three of the four seasons in total defense, pass defense and scoring defense, turning around a unit that in 2010 ranked 108th nationally in scoring defense, 110th in total defense, 95th in rushing defense and 112th in passing defense.
In his first season back in Ann Arbor, Mattison coordinated a Wolverines defense that helped U-M to an 11-2 record and a Sugar Bowl victory. The defense ranked second in the Big Ten and sixth nationally in scoring defense, surrendering 17.4 points per game, while it allowed 322.2 yards per game, ranking fourth in the conference and 17th in the country. The Wolverines also led the Big Ten in fourth-down conversion percentage (38.1 percent), red zone defense (68.3 percent scoring efficiency), turnovers forced (29) and fumbles recovered (20), while they ranked third in rushing defense (131.7 yards per game) and third-down conversion percentage (36.4 percent). Mattison was named a Frank Broyles Assistant Coach of the Year finalist.
In 2012, Mattison's defense allowed 19.8 points per game, fourth in the Big Ten and 20th nationally. The Wolverines surrendered just 320.0 yards per game, ranking second in the conference and 13th in the FBS, and 169.5 passing yards per game, second in the Big Ten and tied for fifth in the country.
Meanwhile, in February 2013, Mattison was named the ESPN RecruitingNation Recruiter of the Year.
In 2014, the Wolverines listed seventh in total defense (311.3 avg.), 15th in rushing defense (117.7 avg.), tied for 20th in passing yards (193.7 avg.) allowed and 28th in scoring defense (22.4 avg.) and tackles for loss (6.8 avg.).
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 scoring defense in 2009-10.
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 Wolverine 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.
Mattison 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 and spent four seasons in the NFL as an offensive lineman.
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