Matt berry - Defensive coordinator

Matt Berry joined the University of Guelph Gryphons coaching staff in 2024. Prior to his time in Guelph, he was with the University of Calgary Dinos from 2010-2024. During his time with the Dinos he held a variety of titles over the years including defensive quality control coach, assistant offensive line coach, defensive line coach, summer camp coordinator, operations manager and Recruiting Coordinator as he progressed in his coaching career. As Recruiting Coordinator and he brought some of the best talent from across the country to play for the Dinos.

In 2016 Berry, was promoted to Defensive Coordinator during his first season, Coach Berry lead the Dinos to be the top defensive unit in Canada West and reached the Vanier Cup. In a very close fought loss to the Laval Rouge et Or, the Dinos defense set a record with Nine sacks in the championship game. 

During his seven seasons as DC for the Dinos, they have complied a record of 42-22. Team success came in the form of Three Hardy Cup titles culminating with the 2019 Vanier Cup, where the Dinos defeated the University of Montreal to become National Champions. 

With Berry at the reigns of the defensive unit, 14 Dinos defenders were taken in the CFL draft, the highest pick being Connor McGough; taken 4th overall by Hamilton in 2017. There has also been, 18 members of the Dinos defence chosen as Canada West All Stars and 12 of these players were selected to be All Canadians. 

Originally from Bedford, N.S., Berry played high school football for the C.P. Allen Cheetahs and CIS football for the uOttawa Gee-Gees from 2000-03, winning the Vanier Cup in 2000. Matt holds a BA in History and English from St. Mary’s University (Nova Scotia). He is married to Christie Malinowski a teacher who coaches basketball and volleyball.

Bio:

Coaching Career:

2024-present:   Defensive Coordinator (Guelph Gryphons)
2022-23:   Assistant Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator (Calgary Dinos)
2016-22:   Defensive Coordinator (Calgary Dinos)
2013-21:   Recruiting Coordinator (Calgary Dinos)
2013-19:   Operations Coordinator (Calgary Dinos)
2010-16: Defensive Assistant (Calgary Dinos)

Additional Coaching:
2023:   U SPORTS East West Bowl (Defensive Line)
2022:   U SPORTS East West Bowl (Defensive Line)
2022:   Guest Coach, Saskatchewan Roughriders Training Camp (Defensive Line)
2017:   U SPORTS East West Bowl (Defensive Line)
2017: Guest Coach, Calgary Stampeders Training Camp (Defensive Line)
2016:   U SPORTS East West Bowl (Defensive Line)
2015:   U SPORTS East West Bowl (Defensive Line) 

2012-14:   Defensive Coordinator (Calgary Falcons)
2012-13:   Assistant Head Coach & Offensive Coordinator (Nova Scotia U18 Provincial Team)
2011:   Defensive Coordinator (AFC Bielefeld Bulldogs)

2008-09: Offensive Coordinator (Charles. P Allen High School)

2006-07: Head Coach & Offensive Coordinator (Dartmouth High School)

2004-05: Defensive Coordinator (Dartmouth High School)

 
Education: 

Saint Mary’s University

Bachelor of Arts

History and English
 
Playing Career: 

2000-03: Ottawa Gee-Gees, Offensive Line (won Vanier Cup with Ottawa in 2000)