Matt Popino is in his third season on the Rutgers football staff and enters his first year as a defensive quality control coach, working primarily with the inside linebackers.
In his previous two seasons with the Scarlet Knights, Popino served as a defensive intern during the 2016 season and was on the player development staff in 2017. With player development, he assisted the defensive line coach in recruiting efforts, evaluating prospects in central New Jersey and parts of Florida. As a defensive intern, Popino assisted the cornerbacks coach in weekly game planning, scouting reports and recruiting. He also created weekly cut ups and meeting presentations.
Prior to arriving at Rutgers, Popino served as the linebackers coach and video coordinator at Fitchburg State in 2015. In addition to his duties coaching linebackers, he was responsible for film exchange and editing film material. Popino recruited New York and New Jersey as well as monitored the team’s social media accounts.
Popino began his coaching career as an assistant defensive backs coach at Worcester State during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He assisted in practice and game planning and instructed individual drills for the secondary and special teams.
A native of Metuchen, N.J., Popino is a 2014 graduate of Worcester State where he played tight end, guard and center for the Lancers.
