MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama is expected to announce Southern Miss assistant Robert Matthews as its new offensive coordinator, according to reports Tuesday, with the announcement possible as early as Wednesday.
Matthews has served as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Southern Miss on Larry Fedora’s staff in Hattiesburg. In 2010, the Golden Eagles’ offense set a school record with 5,894 total yards and averaged more than 200 yards per game both rushing and passing.
Playing Career and High School Coaching
Matthews played three seasons at Georgia from 1996 to 1998 and was a member of Bulldogs teams that played in the Outback Bowl and Peach Bowl.
He began his coaching career in the Georgia high school ranks as tight ends coach and special teams coordinator at Oconee County High School. He moved to Camden County as wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator in 2000 and was offensive coordinator at North Gwinnett in 2001 and 2002.
Matthews then spent three seasons as head coach at Shiloh High School, leading the program to the playoffs in Georgia’s largest classification and overseeing facility upgrades that included a new strength center, locker room and coaches’ offices.
Four Years at Oklahoma State
Matthews moved to the college level at Oklahoma State, where he spent four seasons. He was coordinator of football operations in 2006, was promoted to director of recruiting for 2007 and 2008, and joined the full-time staff as quarterbacks coach in 2009.
As director of recruiting, he also oversaw the Cowboys’ walk-on program and other internal operations. Oklahoma State played in three bowl games during his tenure and signed recruiting classes ranked in the national top 25 in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Georgia Recruiting Ties
Matthews would bring extensive recruiting connections in Georgia to the staff of South Alabama head coach Joey Jones. The Jaguars are preparing for their transition to the Sun Belt Conference and the Football Bowl Subdivision.
