KENOSHA, Wis. – Carthage Athletics proudly welcomes Matt Popino as the new head coach for the Firebirds' football team. Popino brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the Carthage College program.

During his five seasons on the coaching staff at Endicott College, an NCAA Division III program in Massachusetts, Popino played a pivotal role in the Gulls' football excellence. In that span, Endicott secured three straight Commonwealth Coast Conference championships (2021 through 2023) and reached the NCAA tournament each time.

Under his stewardship as defensive coordinator for the past three seasons, the Gulls secured impressive national rankings. Endicott gave up the second-fewest points in the country (7.5 per game) in 2022 and the third-fewest (9.7) in 2023. His unit also made the top 10 in total defense, sacks, and turnovers.

"I am excited to welcome Matt Popino and his wife, Leanne, to the Carthage and Kenosha communities," said Ryan Kane, director of athletics. "As we embark on this exciting journey to elevate our football program, we as a committee looked for a strong leader who has an exceptional understanding of the game and has experienced tremendous success at the NCAA Division III level but also embodies the values and commitment to excellence that define our institution. In Coach Popino, we have found that leader whose passion for football is matched only by his dedication to cultivating character, discipline, and brotherhood. We are poised to achieve new heights on and off the field, setting a new standard of excellence that reflects the proud tradition of our athletic department."

Popino contributed to an impressive 43-12 overall record (.782) in his time at Endicott, including 27-3 in conference play (.900). The Gulls won the New England Bowl, a regional championship series, in 2019.

As coordinator, "Coach Pop" developed 25 all-conference honorees (including two CCC Defensive Players of the Year), 16 all-region award winners, and two All-Americans. He earned regional and national recognition, most notably as D-III Defensive Coordinator of the Year this past year by Hansen Ratings.

At Carthage, Popino will begin his duties immediately. He succeeds Dustin Hass, who stepped down in November after six seasons.

The Firebirds compete in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, regarded as one of the best leagues in D-III athletics. Art Keller Field features a cutting-edge FieldTurf surface, and modern Varsity weight and training facilities give Carthage student-athletes the most advanced equipment available. In addition, freshman football players can take part in the unique Carthage-Bound pre-orientation program for students of color.

"During his interview, Coach Pop had awesome energy, and his passion for the game was clearly displayed while he explained his philosophies," said Carthage junior quarterback Bryce Lowe, who was part of a players' committee that provided input during the coaching search. "The combination of his confidence and energy will help take the program to the next level. I'm excited for what's to come."

Popino came to Endicott as the linebackers coach in 2019, and he most recently added the role of associate head coach. Before that, he spent three noteworthy years at Rutgers University, a Division I program in New Jersey that competes in the Big Ten Conference.

Originally from Metuchen, New Jersey, Popino has a bachelor's degree in communication from Worcester State University and a master's in applied communications from Fitchburg State University. He began his coaching career with positions at both D-III football programs.

A meet and greet is scheduled for 11 a.m. today inside Tarble Arena. 

What Others are Saying

"Matt is ready for this opportunity. Matt is a hot young coach on the rise. He's got energy, intelligence, and passion for the game. His relentless work ethic will be felt every day by the players and staff. I'm excited to watch him develop Carthage into a program that can consistently compete for championships."– Chris Ash, defensive backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders, who spent 24 years in college football (including Rutgers, Ohio State, and Wisconsin)

"Matt Popino is one of the best young coaches that I have seen in action! His ability to connect with and motivate young men is outstanding. He brings a tireless work ethic for recruiting and a strong knowledge of Xs and Os! As a proud product of the CCIW, I am excited to watch as he prepares Carthage College to compete and to win in the best Division III conference in the country."– Don Dobes, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Dartmouth College

"Matt Popino is an excellent choice to lead Carthage football. Matt's passion for the game and love for his players will create a championship culture and propel Carthage football to new levels of success. Matt and Leanne are wonderful additions to the Carthage community, and I am excited to follow their journey with the Firebirds!"– Adam Peloquin, head coach at Worcester State University

"Carthage College is getting an A+ football coach and, more importantly, an A+ human being. Coach Pop is a passionate, caring, and humble leader, he will do great things on the field and in the community. His players will have a coach who has their backs for life!"– Rocco DiMeco, linebackers coach at the University of Delaware

"Coach Pop's success as a head coach lies in his unparalleled qualities of adaptability, fostering player development, and his knowledge of the game. His leadership transcends the football field, developing teamwork, consistency, and unwavering commitment to core values in his players, who are willing to compete and give their best effort at all times."– Mehdi Squalli, defensive line coach at Endicott College

"What struck me first with Coach Pop was his energy and strive to build a program. I believe he is the ideal fit for Carthage football as a head coach; defensively, his resume speaks for itself and I'm eager to apply his philosophies and style to the field next season. For the team overall, Coach Pop will bring a great energy and exciting style of football that our team needs and will excel with."– Kyle Frymire, Carthage junior linebacker