Former Texas State Coach Manny Matsakis: Bold Tactics and Lasting Impact Despite Short Tenure

SAN MARCOS — Manny Matsakis, Texas State University’s head coach in 2003, was instrumental in the university’s rebranding and logo redesign and developed 27 players who went on to the NFL.

Known for his unconventional tactics, Matsakis led Emporia State to national prominence by leading the nation in fewest punts and being the last team to defeat North Dakota State on opening day at the Fargodome. His coaching career included stints at Kansas State, Hofstra, Wyoming, and as an assistant under Mike Leach at Texas Tech. At Texas State, he assembled a distinguished staff, including Clancy Barone (New Orleans Saints tight ends coach) and Ron Roberts (defensive coordinator at Auburn). His staff recruited top talent, including Chase Wasson, Barrick Nealy, and future NFL stars like Fred Evans and Ty Nsekhe.

“Our strategy was to recruit the best players we could get in Texas,” Matsakis said. “But then we’d go to Chicago and get a guy like Fred Evans.”

Despite facing resistance from some fans who preferred a local focus, Matsakis envisioned Texas State as a national contender. He had the support of Athletic Director Greg LaFleur and worked with the student body president to endorse the name change to Texas State.

“It caught fire when I got there,” Matsakis said. “And I was rebranding the logo—I was doing everything possible because, in my mind, the name Texas State could get into those bigger conferences.”

Although his team finished 5-7, Matsakis’s impact was evident in increased attendance and enthusiasm, highlighted by a record crowd for the final game against Sam Houston.

“At the time, it was maybe one of the largest, if not the largest, crowds they’ve ever had,” Matsakis said. “We were riding on a high.”

Matsakis’s tenure at Texas State was marked by his ambitious vision and controversial methods. His aggressive style led Texas State to the top offense in the Southland Conference and seventh in the nation.

“I just felt that was the way to do it and it worked,” Matsakis said. “When I was at Texas State, we were the number one offense in the Southland Conference and number seven in the nation.”

Matsakis’s tenure at Texas State was short-lived due to a violation of the NCAA 20-hour rule, which limits coaches to working with their players no more than 20 hours per week. Matsakis was charged with exceeding this limit, which came as a surprise to him.

“We had gone over by two or three hours for the week,” Matsakis said. “It was stuff I didn’t allocate because I thought it was optional, like physical trainer work.”

After Texas State, Matsakis served as offensive coordinator for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League and held coaching positions at Bethany College in Kansas, Widener University in Philadelphia, and Defiance College. Now retired, he continues to consult with IMG Academy and previously launched American Football Monthly, a national trade journal for football coaches.

Matsakis values his relationships with former players, including NFL stars Wes Welker and Danny Amendola, whom he recruited and coached at Texas Tech, and he has fond memories of his time at Texas State.

“The student body was passionate and easy to engage,” Matsakis said. “It was a really great atmosphere.”

Matsakis has three children: his daughter is the head of visual merchandising for Cartier in New York City; one son is a professor of music at NYU; and his youngest, a 12-year-old, keeps him on his toes with his love for video games.

“It keeps me young,” Matsakis said. “I love it.”

Although Matsakis coached Texas State for only one year, his impact endures.

“Clancy Barone told me that he was back in San Marcos, walking in the football complex, and they had some figures like statues, and they were guys that we recruited,” Matsakis said. “That was pretty cool.”

Coach Matsakis left a lasting legacy through his innovative strategies and impactful recruiting. He played a key role in the university’s transition from Southwest Texas State, including its rebranding and logo redesign. His tenure brought significant improvements in team performance and attendance, and his influence on players who advanced to the NFL is still remembered fondly.