University of Minnesota Athletics
Football
Simon, Matt
Matt Simon
- Title:
- Co-Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers
NOTABLE:
Minnesota's receivers have become some of the best in the nation under Simon, which is exactly what happened at Western Michigan as well. They have broken records, been recognized nationally, earned all-conference accolades and given defenses a reason to fear the Gopher passing game.
At Minnesota, Simon has coached four of Minnesota's top-10 receivers of all-time in Tyler Johnson (No. 1 with 3,305 yards), Daniel Jackson (No. 4 with 2,685 yards), Rashod Bateman (No. 7 with 2,395 yards) and Chris Autman-Bell (No. 9 with 2,058 yards).
In 2024, Jackson blossomed into one of the most sure-handed receivers in the nation. He led the team in receptions (75) and receiving yards (863) and grabbed four touchdowns. He had at least four catches in all 12 games he played in and at least once a game he seemed to deliver a how-did-he-make-that catch.
Jackson was paired with Elijah Spencer who mae 52 catches for 684 yards and six touchdowns on the season, as the duo became the first Gopher wideouts since Johnson and Bateman in 2019 to each record at least 50 catches, 600 yards and four touchdowns.
Le'Meke Brockington aided the Gopher passing game as well as he produced 18 receptions for 282 yards and one touchdowns. He also led the team - for anyone with more than one reception - with a 15.67 yards-per-catch average.
Simon and mentored transfer Cristian Driver and young receivers Donielle Hayes and Kenric Lanier.
The 2023 season saw Jackson develop into Minnesota's next star receiver, as he led the team in receptions (59), receiving yards (831) and receiving touchdowns (8) en route to being named Second Team All-Big Ten.
Simon also helped mold transfers Spencer and Corey Crooms Jr., and continued the maturation of Brockington. Crooms finished second on the team in receiving yards, while Spencer was second on the team in receiving touchdowns. Brockington missed six games during the middle of the season, but he ended the year averaging 14.60 yards per catch.
Simon might have done some of the finest coaching of his career in 2022. Star receiver Chris Autman-Bell suffered a season-ending injury three games into the year, altering Minnesota's receiving corps. Jackson stepped up and led the Gophers in receiving yards and touchdowns, while Michael Brown-Stephens and Dylan Wright produced too. Freshman Brockington came on strong at the end of the season and veteran Clay Geary added some catches and a touchdown as well.
In 2021, Simon led a group headlined by veteran Autman-Bell and upstarts Jackson, Brown-Stephens and Wright. That quartet combined to catch 102 passes for 1,530 yards and 10 touchdowns despite only Brown-Stephens playing in all 13 games.
Autman-Bell led Minnesota with 36 catches for 506 yards and six touchdowns as he was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. Jackson, Brown-Stephens and Wright all improved under Simon. Jackson had 25 catches for 267 yards and one score, while Brown-Stephens made 23 receptions for 392 yards and one touchdown. Wright had 18 catches for 365 yards and two scores.
In 2020, the Simon-coached Bateman led the Gophers with 36 catches, 472 yards and two touchdowns in five games. Bateman, despite playing in limited games, was named All-Big Ten Third Team and was selected in the 2021 NFL Draft in the first round with the 27th overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens. Bateman was the first Gopher to be taken in the first round since Laurence Maroney was selected 21st overall by the New England Patriots in 2006. Bateman was also the first Minnesota receiver ever to be drafted in the first round.
In three seasons under Coach Simon, Bateman caught at least one pass in his 31 games and made 147 receptions for 2,395 yards and 19 touchdowns.
In 2019, Minnesota boasted one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the country in Bateman and Johnson. Bateman was named Big Ten Receiver of the Year and was one of 12 semifinalists (only Big Ten receiver) for the Biletnikoff Award. Johnson set program single-season records for catches, yards and touchdowns, as he broke the records he set as a junior in 2018. Both were named All-Big Ten First Team, as Minnesota became the first school ever to have both First Team All-Big Ten receivers. Bateman and Johnson joined LSU's Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson as the only teammates in the nation to both record more than 1,200 receiving yards.
Johnson finished 2019 with 86 catches (tied for 11th in the nation) for 1,318 yards (seventh in the nation) and 13 touchdowns (tied for seventh in the nation). Johnson, who was also named All-Big Ten First Team in 2018, owns numerous school records and is the most prolific Gopher receiver ever. He ended his career as Minnesota's all-time leader in receiving yards (3,305), touchdowns (33) and 100-yard games (16).
Bateman ended 2019 with 60 catches for 1,219 yards (14th in the nation) and 11 touchdowns (tied for 15th in the nation). Bateman's 20.32 average yards per reception ranked eighth in the country. He set school freshman records in 2018 in receptions (51) and receiving yards (704) and set school sophomore records in 2019 in receiving yards (1,219) and receiving touchdowns (11).
Complimenting Johnson and Bateman in 2019, was Autman-Bell, who hauled in 28 catches for 371 yard and five touchdowns.
In 2018, Johnson had one of the best seasons in school history and shattered records in the process. Johnson ended the year with then single-season records in receiving yards (1,169) and receiving touchdowns (12). Johnson became the first Minnesota receiver to be named First Team All-Big Ten since 2009.
In addition, Bateman, Autman-Bell and Demetrius Douglas all left their marks on the 2018 season. Bateman set freshman program records for receptions (51) and yards (704). His six touchdowns – which all came in Big Ten play – tied for the second most ever by a Minnesota freshman. Autman-Bell made 28 catches (fourth all-time for a Minnesota freshman) for 449 yards (third all-time for a Minnesota freshman) and led the team with a 16.03 yards per catch average. Douglas caught nine passes for 87 yards and one touchdown in 2018. He also served as the team's primary kick and punt returner and finished third on the team – behind Johnson and running back Mohamed Ibrahim – with 794 all-purpose yards.
In 2017, Minnesota had six receivers record a catch of at least 25 yards, which was the most for the Gophers since 2012 when they also had six. Johnson became a breakout star, as the All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection led Minnesota with 35 receptions for 677 yards and seven touchdowns.
At Western Michigan, Simon took the Broncos to new heights. In 2016, Western Michigan passed for 3,533 yards and 33 touchdowns. The man responsible for the majority of those yards, receptions and touchdowns was Simon-coached NCAA Consensus All-American Corey Davis. Davis, who was the first Consensus All-American in Western Michigan history, caught 91 passes for 1,427 yards and 18 touchdowns. He ended his career with 5,212 yards in four seasons, which made him the Football Bowl Subdivision all-time career receiving record holder.
In 2015, Simon coached the most prolific receiving duo in the country since 2002. The tandem of Davis and Daniel Braverman were the first receiving duo since 2002 to catch more than 1,400 and 1,300 yards in the same year (Davis recorded 1,436 yards, while Braverman had 1,371).
Braverman and Davis were each named to the All-MAC team in 2015. Braverman finished second in the FBS nationally in receptions (108), eighth in receiving yards (1,371) and eighth in receiving touchdowns (12). Davis was fifth in the country in receiving yards (1,436) and receiving touchdowns (13), while finishing 12th in receptions (90).
Simon helped turn Braverman and Davis into NFL draft picks as well. Braverman was drafted in 2016 by the Chicago Bears with the 230th overall pick, while Davis was taken in 2017 by the Tennessee Titans fifth overall. Davis joined Randy Moss as the only Mid-American Conference receiver to be drafted in the first round.
Simon spent two years at Rutgers before joining P.J. Fleck at Western Michigan. He coached receivers at Rutgers in 2013 and worked in player development in 2012.
Simon is extremely familiar with head Coach Fleck and the state of Minnesota. Fleck was Simon’s position coach at Northern Illinois. Simon, who is from Minnesota, spent the 2011 season coaching tight ends at the nearby University of St. Thomas.
Simon started his coaching career at his alma mater Northern Illinois, as he was an offensive quality control assistant for the Huskies in 2010.
As a receiver at Northern Illinois, Simon earned four letters from 2004-08 and served as a co-captain. He caught 96 career passes for 1,660 yards and averaged 17.3 yards per catch. Simon caught passes in 20 straight games during one stretch and totaled five career 100-yard receiving games. He racked up a team-best 969 yards on 52 catches in 2007. During his senior year, he was one of only 22 players in the nation selected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for leadership and work in the community.
Simon earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints after college.
Simon and his wife, Charlotte, were married in July 2016 and have three sons (Dean, Wade and Reid).
SIMON AT A GLANCE
Coaching Experience
2020-present: Minnesota - Co-Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers
2019: Minnesota - Passing Game Coordinator / Wide Receivers
2017-18: Minnesota - Wide Receivers
2014-16: Western Michigan - Wide Receivers
2013: Rutgers - Wide Receivers
2012: Rutgers - Player Development
2011: University of St. Thomas (Minn.) - Tight Ends
2010: Northern Illinois - Offensive Quality Control
Bowls Coached
2025 Duke's Mayo Bowl (Minnesota)
2023 Quick Lane Bowl (Minnesota)
2022 Pinstripe Bowl (Minnesota)
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bowl (Minnesota)
2020 Outback Bowl (Minnesota)
2018 Quick Lane Bowl (Minnesota)
2017 Cotton Bowl (Western Michigan)
2015 Bahamas Bowl (Western Michigan)
2014 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Western Michigan)
2013 Pinstripe Bowl (Rutgers)
2012 Russell Athletic Bowl (Rutgers)
2010 Humanitarian Bowl (Northern Illinois)
Playing Experience: Northern Illinois (wide receiver), 2004-08; New Orleans Saints (wide receiver), 2009-10
Birthday: December 4, 1985
Hometown: Farmington, Minn.
High School: Farmington High School, 2004
Alma Mater: Northern Illinois, 2008 (organizational management)
Wife: Charlotte
Sons: Dean, Wade, Reid
- The 2025 season will be Simon's ninth year at Minnesota as wide receivers coach and sixth as co-offensive coordinator (17th year overall in coaching)
- Twice served as Minnesota offensive coordinator for a bowl game
- Has had three receivers drafted, including two first round selections
- Has coached four of Minnesota's top-10 receivers in all-time receiving yards in Tyler Johnson (No. 1 with 3,305 yards), Daniel Jackson (No. 4 with 2,685 yards), Rashod Bateman (No. 7 with 2,395 yards) and Chris Autman-Bell (No. 9 with 2,058 yards)
- Has coached four of Minnesota's top-10 receivers in all-time receiving yards in Tyler Johnson (No. 1 with 3,305 yards), Daniel Jackson (No. 4 with 2,685 yards), Rashod Bateman (No. 7 with 2,395 yards) and Chris Autman-Bell (No. 9 with 2,058 yards)
- Bateman was named 2019 Big Ten Receiver of the Year and was an AP Third Team All-American
- Bateman and Johnson were First Team All-Big Ten in 2019, making Minnesota the first school ever to have both All-Big Ten First Team receivers
- Johnson set program single-season records for catches, yards and touchdowns in 2019 and ended his career as the school's all-time leader in receiving yards, touchdowns and 100-yard games
Matt Simon was named wide receivers coach at the University of Minnesota in January 2017. He added the title Passing Game Coordinator to his resume in March 2019 and was promoted to co-offensive coordinator in January 2020. Simon, who is from Farmington, Minn., returned to his home state after coaching wide receivers at Western Michigan from 2014-17.Minnesota's receivers have become some of the best in the nation under Simon, which is exactly what happened at Western Michigan as well. They have broken records, been recognized nationally, earned all-conference accolades and given defenses a reason to fear the Gopher passing game.
At Minnesota, Simon has coached four of Minnesota's top-10 receivers of all-time in Tyler Johnson (No. 1 with 3,305 yards), Daniel Jackson (No. 4 with 2,685 yards), Rashod Bateman (No. 7 with 2,395 yards) and Chris Autman-Bell (No. 9 with 2,058 yards).
In 2024, Jackson blossomed into one of the most sure-handed receivers in the nation. He led the team in receptions (75) and receiving yards (863) and grabbed four touchdowns. He had at least four catches in all 12 games he played in and at least once a game he seemed to deliver a how-did-he-make-that catch.
Jackson was paired with Elijah Spencer who mae 52 catches for 684 yards and six touchdowns on the season, as the duo became the first Gopher wideouts since Johnson and Bateman in 2019 to each record at least 50 catches, 600 yards and four touchdowns.
Le'Meke Brockington aided the Gopher passing game as well as he produced 18 receptions for 282 yards and one touchdowns. He also led the team - for anyone with more than one reception - with a 15.67 yards-per-catch average.
Simon and mentored transfer Cristian Driver and young receivers Donielle Hayes and Kenric Lanier.
The 2023 season saw Jackson develop into Minnesota's next star receiver, as he led the team in receptions (59), receiving yards (831) and receiving touchdowns (8) en route to being named Second Team All-Big Ten.
Simon also helped mold transfers Spencer and Corey Crooms Jr., and continued the maturation of Brockington. Crooms finished second on the team in receiving yards, while Spencer was second on the team in receiving touchdowns. Brockington missed six games during the middle of the season, but he ended the year averaging 14.60 yards per catch.
Simon might have done some of the finest coaching of his career in 2022. Star receiver Chris Autman-Bell suffered a season-ending injury three games into the year, altering Minnesota's receiving corps. Jackson stepped up and led the Gophers in receiving yards and touchdowns, while Michael Brown-Stephens and Dylan Wright produced too. Freshman Brockington came on strong at the end of the season and veteran Clay Geary added some catches and a touchdown as well.
In 2021, Simon led a group headlined by veteran Autman-Bell and upstarts Jackson, Brown-Stephens and Wright. That quartet combined to catch 102 passes for 1,530 yards and 10 touchdowns despite only Brown-Stephens playing in all 13 games.
Autman-Bell led Minnesota with 36 catches for 506 yards and six touchdowns as he was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. Jackson, Brown-Stephens and Wright all improved under Simon. Jackson had 25 catches for 267 yards and one score, while Brown-Stephens made 23 receptions for 392 yards and one touchdown. Wright had 18 catches for 365 yards and two scores.
In 2020, the Simon-coached Bateman led the Gophers with 36 catches, 472 yards and two touchdowns in five games. Bateman, despite playing in limited games, was named All-Big Ten Third Team and was selected in the 2021 NFL Draft in the first round with the 27th overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens. Bateman was the first Gopher to be taken in the first round since Laurence Maroney was selected 21st overall by the New England Patriots in 2006. Bateman was also the first Minnesota receiver ever to be drafted in the first round.
In three seasons under Coach Simon, Bateman caught at least one pass in his 31 games and made 147 receptions for 2,395 yards and 19 touchdowns.
In 2019, Minnesota boasted one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the country in Bateman and Johnson. Bateman was named Big Ten Receiver of the Year and was one of 12 semifinalists (only Big Ten receiver) for the Biletnikoff Award. Johnson set program single-season records for catches, yards and touchdowns, as he broke the records he set as a junior in 2018. Both were named All-Big Ten First Team, as Minnesota became the first school ever to have both First Team All-Big Ten receivers. Bateman and Johnson joined LSU's Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson as the only teammates in the nation to both record more than 1,200 receiving yards.
Johnson finished 2019 with 86 catches (tied for 11th in the nation) for 1,318 yards (seventh in the nation) and 13 touchdowns (tied for seventh in the nation). Johnson, who was also named All-Big Ten First Team in 2018, owns numerous school records and is the most prolific Gopher receiver ever. He ended his career as Minnesota's all-time leader in receiving yards (3,305), touchdowns (33) and 100-yard games (16).
Bateman ended 2019 with 60 catches for 1,219 yards (14th in the nation) and 11 touchdowns (tied for 15th in the nation). Bateman's 20.32 average yards per reception ranked eighth in the country. He set school freshman records in 2018 in receptions (51) and receiving yards (704) and set school sophomore records in 2019 in receiving yards (1,219) and receiving touchdowns (11).
Complimenting Johnson and Bateman in 2019, was Autman-Bell, who hauled in 28 catches for 371 yard and five touchdowns.
In 2018, Johnson had one of the best seasons in school history and shattered records in the process. Johnson ended the year with then single-season records in receiving yards (1,169) and receiving touchdowns (12). Johnson became the first Minnesota receiver to be named First Team All-Big Ten since 2009.
In addition, Bateman, Autman-Bell and Demetrius Douglas all left their marks on the 2018 season. Bateman set freshman program records for receptions (51) and yards (704). His six touchdowns – which all came in Big Ten play – tied for the second most ever by a Minnesota freshman. Autman-Bell made 28 catches (fourth all-time for a Minnesota freshman) for 449 yards (third all-time for a Minnesota freshman) and led the team with a 16.03 yards per catch average. Douglas caught nine passes for 87 yards and one touchdown in 2018. He also served as the team's primary kick and punt returner and finished third on the team – behind Johnson and running back Mohamed Ibrahim – with 794 all-purpose yards.
In 2017, Minnesota had six receivers record a catch of at least 25 yards, which was the most for the Gophers since 2012 when they also had six. Johnson became a breakout star, as the All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection led Minnesota with 35 receptions for 677 yards and seven touchdowns.
At Western Michigan, Simon took the Broncos to new heights. In 2016, Western Michigan passed for 3,533 yards and 33 touchdowns. The man responsible for the majority of those yards, receptions and touchdowns was Simon-coached NCAA Consensus All-American Corey Davis. Davis, who was the first Consensus All-American in Western Michigan history, caught 91 passes for 1,427 yards and 18 touchdowns. He ended his career with 5,212 yards in four seasons, which made him the Football Bowl Subdivision all-time career receiving record holder.
In 2015, Simon coached the most prolific receiving duo in the country since 2002. The tandem of Davis and Daniel Braverman were the first receiving duo since 2002 to catch more than 1,400 and 1,300 yards in the same year (Davis recorded 1,436 yards, while Braverman had 1,371).
Braverman and Davis were each named to the All-MAC team in 2015. Braverman finished second in the FBS nationally in receptions (108), eighth in receiving yards (1,371) and eighth in receiving touchdowns (12). Davis was fifth in the country in receiving yards (1,436) and receiving touchdowns (13), while finishing 12th in receptions (90).
Simon helped turn Braverman and Davis into NFL draft picks as well. Braverman was drafted in 2016 by the Chicago Bears with the 230th overall pick, while Davis was taken in 2017 by the Tennessee Titans fifth overall. Davis joined Randy Moss as the only Mid-American Conference receiver to be drafted in the first round.
Simon spent two years at Rutgers before joining P.J. Fleck at Western Michigan. He coached receivers at Rutgers in 2013 and worked in player development in 2012.
Simon is extremely familiar with head Coach Fleck and the state of Minnesota. Fleck was Simon’s position coach at Northern Illinois. Simon, who is from Minnesota, spent the 2011 season coaching tight ends at the nearby University of St. Thomas.
Simon started his coaching career at his alma mater Northern Illinois, as he was an offensive quality control assistant for the Huskies in 2010.
As a receiver at Northern Illinois, Simon earned four letters from 2004-08 and served as a co-captain. He caught 96 career passes for 1,660 yards and averaged 17.3 yards per catch. Simon caught passes in 20 straight games during one stretch and totaled five career 100-yard receiving games. He racked up a team-best 969 yards on 52 catches in 2007. During his senior year, he was one of only 22 players in the nation selected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for leadership and work in the community.
Simon earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints after college.
Simon and his wife, Charlotte, were married in July 2016 and have three sons (Dean, Wade and Reid).
SIMON AT A GLANCE
Coaching Experience
2020-present: Minnesota - Co-Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers
2019: Minnesota - Passing Game Coordinator / Wide Receivers
2017-18: Minnesota - Wide Receivers
2014-16: Western Michigan - Wide Receivers
2013: Rutgers - Wide Receivers
2012: Rutgers - Player Development
2011: University of St. Thomas (Minn.) - Tight Ends
2010: Northern Illinois - Offensive Quality Control
Bowls Coached
2025 Duke's Mayo Bowl (Minnesota)
2023 Quick Lane Bowl (Minnesota)
2022 Pinstripe Bowl (Minnesota)
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bowl (Minnesota)
2020 Outback Bowl (Minnesota)
2018 Quick Lane Bowl (Minnesota)
2017 Cotton Bowl (Western Michigan)
2015 Bahamas Bowl (Western Michigan)
2014 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Western Michigan)
2013 Pinstripe Bowl (Rutgers)
2012 Russell Athletic Bowl (Rutgers)
2010 Humanitarian Bowl (Northern Illinois)
Playing Experience: Northern Illinois (wide receiver), 2004-08; New Orleans Saints (wide receiver), 2009-10
Birthday: December 4, 1985
Hometown: Farmington, Minn.
High School: Farmington High School, 2004
Alma Mater: Northern Illinois, 2008 (organizational management)
Wife: Charlotte
Sons: Dean, Wade, Reid
Game Trailer: Gophers-Demons
Friday, September 05
Coach Fleck Previews Northwestern State
Monday, September 01
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Win Opener
Monday, September 01
Ski-U-March Season Opener
Friday, August 29
