By J.T. Keith
Matt Simon wanted to coach after graduating from Eastern New Mexico University. Simon has spent a lifetime trying to make a difference in the lives of his athletes on the field and in the classroom.
Simon is a big booster and follower of the Greyhounds even though his Saturdays are filled with coaching his own team. He is the running backs coach for the University at Buffalo Bulls.
Simon has coached and won at the highest level. He is one of only 10 football coaches to win both a Super Bowl (with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000) and a college national championship (with the University of Washington Huskies in 1991).
Simon remembers his time at ENMU fondly.
“I miss the university,” he said. “I have fond memories of Portales. I think it is one of the great communities and greatest atmospheres to go to college and grow as a human being, and it are a safe environment.”
Simon did not realize how much he appreciated Portales until he left after graduation.
“It’s just a small world and a small place, but it’s a very friendly and inviting place,” he said. “It is a great place to get your feet on the ground and to grow into yourself. I had a great experience there.”
Simon made history in 1994 when he succeeded Dennis Parker as head coach at the University of North Texas, becoming the first African-American head coach in the state of Texas.
Simon credits former ENMU coach Jack Scott for helping him to develop on the football field. Simon channels Scott when he approaches coaching his own athletes today.
“Jack Scott and defensive coordinator Fred Briles helped prepare me to become a head coach with their examples,” Simon said. “At North Texas, that’s what I had to be, a head coach, not just an African-American head coach. I was thrilled to be a trailblazer at North Texas University.”
Simon credits Scott for being a mentor and helping him get his start in coaching. He believes that Scott’s vision in how student-athletes should conduct themselves on and off the field helped him develop as a man. More than anything, he considers Scott a leader.
“I fell in love with Jack Scott, his swagger, his demeanor, and the challenge that he put before me,” Simon said. “The very first thing he said to me when I met him for the very first time was…he called me ‘fat boy’ and told me, if I was coming to play football for him, I would have to get in tip-top condition. It hurt my feelings, but it appealed to my pride, and I’m glad I accepted the challenge.”
Simon has used the same ploy that Scott used on him with established National Football League running backs such as Jamal Lewis. Simon coached the Baltimore Ravens running back to his finest year in 2003 when Lewis rushed for 2,006 yards. Simon later coached LaDainian Tomlinson, who led the NFL in rushing in 2007 for the San Diego Chargers. Simon also has coached NFL running backs Chester Taylor, Brandon Oliver, and James Starks.
Simon believes that all athletes, whether on the high school, college, or professional level, want to be coached and challenged to become the best they can be.
Simon is currently the running back’s coach at the University at Buffalo, and he admits it is a critical year for them to win. (The team currently is 6-2).
He also is open to becoming a head coach again, but the situation would have to be right. Simon’s criteria would be a school that is committed to winning and building a program the right way.
“I’m looking forward to making an impact in a place for the long-term and going through the process of building young men into men, and that’s a process,” Simon said. “I’m looking forward to bringing out the best in students, athletes, and people.”