Hamline University Athletics

Matthew Wood enters the 2026 season beginning his second stint at Hamline University after serving as the linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator at St. Olaf College. Wood spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons on the St. Olaf coaching staff, where he led the program’s defensive run game and coached the linebackers.

As Defensive Run Game Coordinator at St. Olaf, Wood oversaw a rushing defense that climbed 38 spots nationally over two seasons, cutting opponent rushing yards allowed by more than 20 yards per game. The defense reduced yards per carry and rushing touchdowns while helping the Oles post a 7-3 record in 2024 — the program’s first seven-win season since 2012 and its first shutout since 2011. His units also produced all-conference performers, including linebacker Tate Sauerwein, who earned All-Conference Honorable Mention and MIAC Player of the Week honors in 2024, and linebacker Josh Kerber, who was named All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2025 while blocking three kicks to rank among the nation’s top five in that category.

Prior to his time at St. Olaf, Wood previously coached at Hamline University from 2020–2022, serving as the linebackers and nickels coach before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2023. With Wood on staff, the Pipers won more games than the previous four seasons combined, while the defensive run game improved by 94 spots nationally and became a consistent top-150 unit against the run. During his time as co-defensive coordinator, Hamline’s red-zone defense improved by 49 spots nationally, surrendered nine fewer touchdowns, and held five opponents under 4.0 yards per carry and two teams below 85 rushing yards. His linebackers and nickels also made major strides in tackle production, accounting for 47 percent of the team’s stops - an 18 percent increase - with multiple players finishing among the MIAC’s top tacklers. He coached one All-MIAC selection and two MIAC Defensive Players of the Week during that stretch.

Before Hamline, Wood served as the outside linebackers and safeties coach at Spring Lake Park High School, where his defenses allowed just 16 points per game and produced three all-state and 12 all-conference performers. The Panthers made three state tournament appearances with Wood on staff, including a runner-up finish in 2016.

Wood began his coaching career at United South Central High School, serving as junior high head coach while also coaching the defensive backs during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

A former defensive back at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, Wood studied agribusiness. Wood currently resides in Lakeville with his wife Eryn.