This month, we would like to shine a spotlight on Head Football Coach Matt Davis, who has quickly made a lasting impact on the Deposit-Hancock Eagles program. In just a short time, Coach Davis has transformed the culture of the team, building a foundation of hard work, accountability, and pride that extends far beyond the football field.
When Coach Davis first took the helm, his focus was on building the right culture. “Our first year, our mindset was that culture is the cornerstone,” he explained. “Culture is doing everything the right way. The worst behavior you tolerate becomes your culture. We worked with the guys three days a week for eight months before the season started. We emphasized things like practice attendance, teamwork, and preparation, basically doing the small things right that build a strong program.”
The results speak for themselves. In just a few years, the Eagles’ performance and confidence have grown tremendously. “Three years ago, we scored 36 points all season. Last year, we scored 48 points a game. But the real growth is in the guys’ confidence and belief in themselves,” Davis said. “It’s night and day compared to when I started.”
Coach Davis’s philosophy extends beyond athletic performance. “We want to make good football players, but more importantly, we want to make better people,” he said. “Football teaches dedication, hard work, teamwork, and how to overcome adversity. It prepares players for life, helping them grow into better husbands, employees, and community members.”
This approach, paired with the players’ talent and commitment, makes this group special. “You can do all the right things, but you still need players who are willing to put in the work,” he noted. “Our guys enjoy being around each other and are willing to put in the effort, and that makes all the difference.”
Coach Davis also highlighted the role of the coaching staff, families, and community. “Our staff comes every day—they aren’t paid for it, yet they dedicate themselves because they care. The DH Gridiron Football Club and other community supporters make it possible for us to do things we otherwise couldn’t. Our players work their tails off behind the scenes, and we love seeing the community support them on game nights.”
A lifelong football enthusiast, Davis drew inspiration from his own playing days in high school, college, and semi-pro leagues. He also credits his father as a major influence. “My dad never missed one of my games and always made me feel like I could accomplish anything,” Davis shared. “The love of sports and competition that I have today comes directly from him.”
His favorite coaching memory so far? “The Lansing game last year. It came down to the last team drive, less than a minute left, and we stopped them on their extra point try to win by 1 point. It was one of the craziest, most memorable games I’ve ever been a part of.”
Looking ahead, Coach Davis hopes to sustain success for years to come. “It’s not about one year or one special group. We want to build a program that continues to thrive, win sectional finals, and show what DH Eagles football is all about.”
He also has some fun pre-game rituals: listening to Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight while warming up and saying a prayer before every game. Asked to describe this year’s team in three words, he chose: grit, toughness, culture.
With Coach Matt Davis at the helm, the DH Eagles program is stronger than ever, and the foundation he’s built promises exciting seasons ahead—for the players and the community alike.