Chesterfield hires Matt Quinn as football coach – Selambe

Chesterfield – Since his playing days in the powerhouse Byrnes High football program, Matt Quinn always has had a goal of making a difference in the lives of young people.

After his college playing days were over, Quinn, like so many, found that avenue as a high school football coach. Quinn took on coaching roles as an assistant and later as a head coach at three different high schools, most recently a one-year stint (2022) at North Augusta High School.

He got out of teaching and coaching after his one season at North Augusta, going to work for a fundraising organization that allowed him to continue his relationships with other coaches.

But the itch to be more hands on with high school students was always present. He was hired as the athletic director at Marlboro County High in March. While happy to be more involved, the itch was not quite relieved.

When an unexpected opening for a head football coach became available at Chesterfield High School, Quinn saw his opportunity to get back to what he loved most. He was hired in early June.

“I was excited about the opportunity at Marlboro County and I really felt I could have an impact there, but in the back of mind, I just knew I wanted to coach again,” said Quinn, who also has been a head coach at Westwood High and Union Pines (NC). “I wanted to be more hands-on with the kids, to interact with them every day. I could do that some as an athletic director but there is no better way to have an impact on young people than coaching.”

Quinn says the move to the Pee Dee area is one that he and his wife had eyes on for some time. His wife is a native of Marlboro County and works within the school district there,

“We didn’t have to move again,” he said. “It’s about a 30 minute drive for me. It is going to work out well. We are very happy to be around family again.”

Being such a late hire, Quinn realizes he is way behind in terms of building his first team at Chesterfield. The coach missed spring practice and he and his staff have been working tirelessly to meet the players and members of the community.

“I have a good core of coaches returning and they know the kids, so we have a little edge,” he said. “We’re not going to change a lot in this first year. There will be some differences but basically I am learning to do what they have done. For now, this is easier than the players having two months to learn an entirely new system. We’re already working as hard as we can to make sure we give these kids a chance to be successful.”