Men's Soccer

The Briggs Coaching File

Matt Briggs completed his ninth season as the head men’s soccer coach at Bellevue University in 2015, after serving two seasons as the Bruins’ assistant coach from 2005-06.

In his nine seasons as head coach, Briggs has amassed a 101-56-15 (.631) overall record, guiding the Bruins to six conference or independent tournament championships, five conference regular season titles and five NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship appearances.

The Bruins posted a 12-4-4 mark on the season in 2015, including an unbeaten 3-0-1 mark in NSAA competition while winning both the conference regular season and tournament championships. For their efforts the Bruins finished 17th in the final NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. Bellevue advanced out of the NAIA Opening Round for the second-straight season with a 1-0 victory over Science & Arts of Oklahoma. Ten Bruins were named to the all-NSAA teams while Alan Carr was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year and an honorable mention All-American.

Bellevue wrapped up the 2014 season with a 15-3-2 record including a perfect 5-0-0 mark in MCAC competition winning both the regular season and tournament championships. BU won their first NAIA National Tournament match since 2009 with a 2-0 victory over Hastings and he coached nine all-conference players.

He was named the MCAC Coach of the Year in both 2014 and 2009. The Bruins finished the 2014 season ranked No. 11 in the nation, capturing the MCAC regular season and tournament titles while advancing to the second round of the NAIA National Tournament. In 2009, Briggs guided the Bruins through the conference regular season undefeated as Bellevue did not allow a goal in league competition. In addition, Briggs coached the league’s Offensive Player of the Year (Mark Heath-Preston), Defensive Player of the Year (Leon Kita), and the Newcomer of the Year (Graeme Eaglesham).

The Bruins advanced to the second round of the 2009 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship, knocking off previously unbeaten Bethel (Ind.) in the opening round, before falling to eventual national champion Lindsey Wilson.

In 2008, Briggs led the Bruins to the school’s first-ever NAIA Men’s Soccer National Tournament appearance where Bellevue fell to eventual national champion Bethel (Tenn.) in the first round and finished with a No. 6 final national ranking.

Originally from Lincoln, England, Briggs began his coaching career working with youth at the Lincoln City Football Club at their Center of Excellence.

After moving to the United States at the age of 20, Briggs began his collegiate playing career at Kansas City Kansas Community College, captaining the team his sophomore year. He transferred to Hastings College for his junior season where he helped lead the Broncos to the NAIA final four. Briggs played his final season at Bellevue in 2004.

A 2006 graduate of Bellevue University, Briggs earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education with an emphasis in human performance. Briggs earned his National Diploma in sports science from North Lincolnshire College.

In 2013-14, Briggs also coached Lincoln City FC, Notts County FC and North Lincolnshire College within their Football Academies. In March 2014 and April 2015 Briggs volunteered with Naivasha, Kenya where he coached for two weeks in the local community, working with youth players as young as five years old up to adult teams, while also coaching in local schools and orphanages. www.footybriggsy.wordpress.com

He has his USSF A, NSCAA Premier Diploma, UEFA B, FA Youth Module 1, 2 and (3 ongoing) and his Coerver Youth Diploma.

Updated Jan. 7, 2016