HUNTINGDON, PA – Matthew Adolph arrives at Juniata with experience under championship-winning coaches at every level, from high school to the NFL. Most recently, he served as Defensive Coordinator at North Carolina Wesleyan (2024), where his defense produced multiple All-Conference players. Before that, he was a Defensive Assistant for the 2023 National Champion Michigan Wolverines, contributing to a top-ranked defense that allowed just 247.0 total yards per game and helped secure a perfect 15-0 season with victories in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff National Championship.
In 2021-22, Adolph was part of Northern Illinois' historic turnaround, helping the Huskies improve from winless in 2020 to a 9-5 MAC Championship season while working with Defensive Backs and Special Teams. That season, NIU claimed the MAC West title and earned a berth in the Cure Bowl.
At Morehead State (2020-21), he coordinated Special Teams and coached Linebackers, leading one of the conference's top units. His group produced four All-League linebackers, two All-League special teamers, and an All-American returner. Prior to MSU, he coached Linebackers and Special Teams at Valdosta State during the 2020 COVID season for a program that, the following year, advanced to the Division II Regional Championship and produced multiple NFL-caliber defenders.
As co-Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coach at Santa Barbara City College (2018-19), Adolph's units led the conference in turnovers, pass defense, and red zone defense, while special teams produced two touchdowns and six forced fumbles in 2018. In 2019, SBCC led the state in fewest penalties, kick return yards, and featured an All-State punter and returner.
His FBS experience includes time at Michigan State (2015-17) as a GA and Quality Control Coach, contributing to a Big Ten Championship (2015), Holiday Bowl win (2017), and the nation's top passing defense. He also worked in the San Francisco 49ers scouting department (2014-15), assisting in draft preparation and player evaluations.
A University of Kentucky graduate, Adolph earned SEC All-Academic honors as a member of the Wildcats football team. A Columbus, Ohio, native, he is the grandson of longtime NFL coach Dave Adolph.
