Athletic Director Matt Martin Takes Coaching Job in Florida

Matt Martin recently found himself the beneficiary of a two-for-one deal which was too good to pass up.

Martin, who was athletic director at Jasper County-Monticello for the past two years, was recently named the head football coach at Space Coast High School in Cocoa, Fla. It has been a professional goal of Martin’s to be a head football coach and as a bonus he gets to be back home where his family is.

“I have never been a head coach before but it is something I have wanted,” said Martin, who was also an assistant football coach for the Hurricanes including the past two as offensive coordinator. “This opportunity came up and it was too good to pass on.”

Martin’s wife, who works outside of the education profession, has also found an ideal job, the coach said.

“I grew up in the city next to Cocoa,” Martin said. “Going home is something that adds to this. Both of our parents are there and we will be just 10 minutes from them instead of a state away. We have small children so it will be good for everyone. My wife had her job offer first and then this came through for me. We feel blessed.”

Despite the ideal situation Martin said it is still tough leaving Monticello.

“It was actually a tough decision and one we put a lot of thought into,” he said. “We have certainly enjoyed our time here. Home will always be home though and that is something that pulls at you.”

Martin was the offensive line coach for the Hurricanes his first season before moving to offensive coordinator when Rydell Jackson became head coach.

“It was sad that I was not able to address our team as a whole,” he said. “I called as many players as I could and told some in person. Some asked me why I was leaving and I told them that we all have aspirations in life. I told the players many of them have aspirations to play in college and they must pursue that. For me it has been a goal to be a head coach and it just so happened that the chance happened back from where I am from.”

“Monticello has good players who love football,” he said. “They are on the path to being successful.”

Principal Buddy Cain said Martin will be missed at the school and within the athletic department.

“This is a great opportunity for him to be a head football coach,” Cain said. “He’s done a great job here with us as athletic director and offensive coordinator for the high school.”

The Jasper County Board of Education quickly filled the athletic director’s position by naming Eddie Roberts to the position. Roberts had been athletic director at Jasper County Middle School.

“He has a wealth of experience in athletics as a head football coach, athletic director and a coach in many different areas,” Cain said of Roberts.