Independence Local Schools is appointing Matthew Burns as the new head coach of the Independence Blue Devils varsity football team, pending Board approval at their regular meeting on January 21. Burns, who currently serves as an 8th-grade mathematics teacher at Independence Middle School, has been an assistant coach with the program since 2022.
"We are delighted to welcome Matt as Independence High School’s next varsity football coach," said Superintendent Kelli Cogan. "As a former assistant, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the team, the players, and the traditions of Independence football. His passion for honoring the legacy we've built here is evident, and we're confident that under his leadership, our program will not only preserve that proud history but also elevate it to new heights. We look forward to seeing the continued success and growth of our football team under his guidance."
Burns brings both classroom and sideline experience to the position, having joined the Independence Local Schools district as a mathematics teacher this year while continuing his role as an assistant coach for the varsity football program.
Burns has a proven track record of program building. As head football coach at Parma Senior High School (2020-2022), he transformed a 3-28 program to achieve a 3-5 record in his first year while significantly increasing student-athlete participation and academic performance. At Independence, he has served as assistant varsity football coach and defensive coordinator since 2022, while also serving as the assistant varsity track coach.
"I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to be the new head coach of the Independence Blue Devils football team,’ said Burns. “The rich history of the Blue Devils is something I want to connect our current team with, as we want to be the gold standard on the field, in the classroom, and most importantly in life."
“We are excited to have Coach Burns lead Blue Devil football,” said Athletic Director Brett Diehl. “Throughout the interview process, Coach Burns demonstrated high football IQ, a vast knowledge of what it takes to lead a program, and tremendous passion for the students and community of Independence.”