Matthew Ballard
Matthew Ballard

Bio

Matthew Ballard brings more than three decades of coaching experience to the Massachusetts Maritime football program, including 22 seasons at Amherst College. A veteran offensive line coach and former offensive coordinator, Ballard helped Amherst compile a 117-59 record since 2004, capturing five NESCAC championships and four undefeated conference titles during his tenure.

Recognized as the 2025 Greater Boston Gridiron Club Division II/III Assistant Coach of the Year, Ballard has coached 25 All-NESCAC offensive linemen and has served in leadership roles with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), including as the NESCAC representative from 2004-24 and Chair of the Division III Assistant Coaches Committee in 2026.

Prior to Amherst, Ballard served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and was the head coach at Cathedral High School, where he led the program to a 19-11 record and an undefeated Super Bowl championship season in 1998. He also began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University at Albany.

A native of Sandwich, Massachusetts, Ballard earned both his bachelor's degree in history and his master's degree in secondary education from the University at Albany.