The 54-year-old was named the new head football coach at MICDS on Thursday. He replaces Fred Bouchard, who stepped down after posting a 50-10 record during five seasons at the tradition-rich school.

Irvin guided Kirkwood High to its first state championship in 2012. He has spent the last decade in administration at Lafayette and Lindbergh high schools and recently stepped down as principal at Webster Groves High.

“This is a place that attracts people that are interested in success, being academic or athletic, Irvin said. “I’m excited to continue to work in community like that.”

Irvin’s last season as a football coach was in 2014, when he led Kirkwood to an 11-2 record and Class 6 state semifinal appearance.

He was 54-9 in five seasons at Kirkwood, including the 2012 championship and a runner-up finish in 2011.

“The last couple years I’ve been gearing up preparing for an opportunity like this,” Irvin said.

Irvin got his coaching start at MICDS and returns after 17 years away from the Ladue school. He began his career as an assistant under Ron Holtman at MICDS in 1997 and took over as head coach for three seasons beginning in 2005. The Rams were 33-3 under Irvin, including two state runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2007.

Irvin compiled 53-9 record in a five-year head coaching stint at Kirkwood and also served as coach at New Trier High in Winnetka, Illinois.

Despite success in the administrative field, Irvin longed to get back into high school coaching. On the side, he helped with the football program at DePauw University, an NCAA Division III school Greencastle, Indiana where his son played. Irvin also served as tight ends coach at Washington University in St. Louis.

MICDS athletics director Josh Smith wasted little time in finding a replacement for the popular Bouchard, who announced he was stepping down Monday.

Smith believes Irvin will be the perfect fit. Smith and Irvin worked together as assistant coaches under Holtman.

“The pieces just lined up for us,” Smith said. “We’re very fortunate to go from Fred to Matt.”

Irvin was elected into the St. Louis Metro Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2017.

He spoke with his players briefly on Thursday.

“There’s a lot of comfort in returning here,” said Irvin said, who will teach physical education and serve as a strength and conditioning instructor.

MICDS went 11-3 this past season and lost to Platte County in the state semifinals. The Rams have won seven state titles, the last came in 2004 when Irvin was an assistant.

Smith sayid Irvin is the perfect coach to continue the school’s high level of success.

“He’s knows our climate, he knows our community,” Smith says. “We’re excited to welcome him back.”