Former Tanque Verde coach Jay Dobyns, an Arizona Wildcat legend and former federal agent, and his son Jack, who was an assistant for Jay with the Hawks, contributed to this report on the passing of assistant coach Matt Vinson.
Former Tanque Verde High School football assistant coach Matt Vinson lost his battle to cancer on June 12. He was 31 years old.
Matt played quarterback at Chadron (Neb.) State College after his career at Douglas High School in Box Elder, S.D. He transferred to West Virginia Wesleyan College for his senior/graduate season.
After his playing career, Matt became an innovative professional strength and conditioning trainer in Rapid City, S.D, and Denver.
In 2020, Matt’s friendship with Chadron teammate/tight end Jack Dobyns (Salpointe graduate) led him to become the quarterbacks coach and strength and conditioning coordinator for Tanque Verde. His expertise and enthusiasm were critical in turning around the Hawks’ program from 0-10 in 2019 to 3-0 during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
In 2021, Matt and Jack left Tanque Verde to accept coaching positions at Odessa (Texas) High School, helping head coach Dusty Ortiz stabilize that program.
In February 2023, Matt was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent emergency surgery and rehabilitation.
Matt recovered to coach the Bronchos in 2023, and as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, was instrumental in guiding an upset overtime win against rival Permian High School (of Friday Night Lights movie fame) in front of 18,000 fans. It was Odessa’s first win against Permian in a decade.
Last fall, Matt followed Ortiz to Carrollton (Texas) Creekview High School as the Mustangs’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Creekview had lost 21 straight games dating to 2021. Matt helped lead the Mustangs to an 8-3 record, including an eight-game winning streak and a trip to the Texas 5A playoffs.
While at Tanque Verde, Matt became well-known for his attention to detail, devotion to player development, and expertise in quarterback fundamentals and technique, all with a positive attitude.
More importantly, he is remembered as a players-favorite coach, always encouraging, always inspiring, always a leader on and off the field, defining “work ethic.”
Statement from teammate and coaching partner Jack Dobyns: “Matthew Vinson, more commonly known in football circles as ‘Matty V,’ was a film junkie, X’s and O’s wizard, quarterback whisperer, leader of young men, and most importantly to me, my best friend. His hunger to improve his knowledge and skills as a coach, along with the talent of the young athletes he mentored, was insatiable. He never whined or looked for pity from anyone. In fact, most people around him wouldn’t have known he was sick, because throughout the course of brain surgeries, chemo, and tumor removals, he continued to coach and grind in big-time Texas high school football. He refused to let cancer define him. He showed up early, left late, and gave those counting on him everything he had. Being called ‘Coach’ is a privilege. It’s a term of respect and admiration. Matt was fully committed to the athletes that trusted and looked up to him. He was truly a coach.”
Statement from Jay Dobyns: “Matt made everyone around him better. You never saw him without a smile on his face. He became a ‘second son’ to Gwen and I, and a member of our family. Our players and managers adored him. Our parents admired his all-in commitment to their kids. Our staff respected his dedication. He loved to teach and coach. His passing leaves a big hole in our hearts that cannot be filled. Matty’s legacy goes far beyond football. It is reflected in all those kids whose lives he touched and their never-ending appreciation for the love he put on them.”
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