Muskingum University alum returns to take over the football program

Posted by author February 11, 2025 Football

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NEW CONCORD — Matt Nardo is back where his coaching career began as he was recently named Muskingum’s Head Football Coach. A proven winner with a game plan for success, he brings experience, energy, and a championship mindset.

Coach Nardo returns to New Concord after a three-year successful run as Bluffton College’s head coach. He led the Beavers to their best Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) finish in eight years, set a school record for Academic All-HCAC honors, and significantly boosted the team’s GPA. Nardo’s up-tempo spread offense rewrote the record books, including most touchdown passes in a game (7), the first season with three 600-yard receivers, and the highest scoring average (30.2 PPG) since 2017. His offensive line set a school mark for fewest sacks allowed (6), ranking sixth nationally, while his defense led the HCAC in red zone scoring.

“The moment I first stepped onto this campus 20 years ago, I knew I had found a home. Muskingum helped shape me — not just as a professional, but as a person,” said Coach Nardo. “I am beyond proud to return to the place that played such an important role in my career. I am honored to help build upon the Muskingum Football tradition and guide our student-athletes toward continued growth and success, both on and off the field.”

Before Bluffton, Nardo spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator at North Carolina Wesleyan, where he led the Battling Bishops to their most wins since 2010. His offense dominated the USA South Athletic Conference, leading in passing offense, ranking second in total offense, and finishing third in points per game.

Coach Nardo spent four seasons at NCAA Division II Emporia State, helping the Hornets rack up 31 wins and back-to-back NCAA playoff runs with three postseason victories. As offensive coordinator, pass game coordinator, and recruiting coordinator, he led the top passing offense in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association while ranking second in total first downs, third in total offense, and fourth in scoring.

“With over 20 years of coaching experience, Coach Nardo brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and passion to our football program,” Muskingum Director of Athletics Kari Winters said. “We are thrilled to bring him back home as our new head coach and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our team and community. Not only do we welcome Matt as our new head football coach, but we also welcome his wife and children into our Muskingum Athletics family. I know that he is excited to raise his family in the area, embracing the community spirit and values that make this place special. He values relationships deeply and is looking forward to mentoring the men in our football locker room, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment.”

In 2013, Nardo coached the defensive backs at the University of Pikeville, helping the Bears to a 7-4 record, their second winning season in program history and first in eight years. Nardo previously spent two seasons as the wide receivers coach at Marietta College. During those two seasons, he produced five All-Conference performers, and Pioneer receivers broke several school receiving records.

His coaching career also includes five years of experience at the high school level. He spent three years at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic in Florida, where he was promoted to head coach and led the Hurricanes to their best record ever at 7-3. Nardo also coached two seasons at Basehor-Linwood High School in Kansas, helping the team secure regional and district championships.

Nardo’s coaching career began at Muskingum, where he served as a defensive assistant for three seasons and produced five All-Conference performers. While at Muskingum, Nardo’s players received several individual accolades, including National Defensive Player of the Week, Ohio Athletic Conference Linebacker of the Year, and an invitation to play in the Aztec Bowl in Mexico.

Nardo graduated from Ohio University in 2005 with a BS in Sports Science and earned an MAE in Adult Education from Muskingum University in 2007.