Rhodes College Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of Matt Ellis as the new Defensive Coordinator for the Lynx football program. A Rhodes College alumnus and former standout player, Ellis returns to Memphis with an impressive coaching resume spanning multiple levels of collegiate football.

Head Coach Rich Duncan expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Ellis back to his alma mater. "I am extremely excited to bring Coach Ellis back to Memphis as our Defensive Coordinator. It is always special to bring an alumnus back to your program. Matt has built an outstanding coaching resume since graduating from Rhodes, and after an extensive search to fill this position, it became very clear to me that he was the right man for the job."

Ellis arrives at Rhodes following a successful tenure as a Defensive and Special Teams Assistant at Rice University (D-I FBS), where he worked closely with the linebackers and special teams units. His responsibilities included opponent scouting, game analysis, and coaching special teams drills. During his time at Rice, the defense ranked 9th nationally in pass yards allowed per game (173.8) and 1st in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in key defensive categories.

Prior to his role at Rice, Ellis served as the Defensive Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (D-III). Under his leadership, the defense consistently ranked among the conference's best in scoring defense, red zone defense, and passing yards allowed. Additionally, he was named the program's Academic Coordinator in 2024, highlighting his commitment to student-athlete success both on and off the field.

Ellis also made an impact in previous coaching roles at Benedictine University, Millikin University, and Rhodes College as a volunteer assistant. His extensive recruiting experience spans multiple states, including Texas, Florida, Illinois, and California, further strengthening his ability to attract top-tier talent to the program.

"I'm very excited to return to Rhodes," said Ellis. "I'd like to thank Coach Rich Duncan and Jim Duncan for this opportunity. Rhodes and Memphis have always been a special place for me, and I'm elated to be back."

Coach Duncan emphasized Ellis's strengths as both a recruiter and developer of talent. "Coach Ellis has proven to be an outstanding teacher and developer of talent in the defensive secondary. He has been a relentless recruiter, he has built strong relationships with the players at every stop along the way, and I know that our players are going to love playing for him."

Ellis's return marks an exciting new chapter for Rhodes College Football as he brings his experience, passion, and commitment to excellence back to where it all began.