Coach Nardo is entering his 3rd season as the Head Football Coach at Bluffton University. In two seasons, he has accumulated a 6-14 record.

Offensively, the Beavers have made great strides since Nardo’s arrival. They’ve broken multiple school records including TD passes in a game, and fewest sacks allowed in season, while averaging over 30 points per game for the first time since 2017. The offense in 2022 was ranked 6th nationally in fewest sacks allowed (6). In 2023, the offense exploded averaging 30 ppg and nearly 400 yards of offense per game. The offense produced 3 receivers with over 600 yards for the first time in school history. Additionally, the Beavers produced two 100 yards rushers in a game for the first time since 2010.

Defensively, the improvements have been noticeable from Nardo’s first to second seasons by reducing opponents scoring by almost 13 points per game. In 2022, the Beavers ranked in the bottom of the conference in most defensive categories. The 2023 turn around changed that. This past season the Beavers ranked in the top 3 in the HCAC in every defense category. Additionally, the defense broke the school record for sacks in a game, with a 9 sack performance against Anderson.

Nardo and his wife Emily live in Bluffton with their 3 children: Joseph (5), Samuel (3), and Gianna (1). Nardo is joined in the coaching profession by his two younger brothers. Bryan (38) is entering his second year as the Defensive Coordinator at Oklahoma State University, and Luke (27) is entering his 2nd season as a graduate assistant at West Virginia University.

Bluffton Notable Performances:

Xavier Reyero ’23 – Broke school record with 7 TD passes in a game

- Finished the season ranked 4th in single season passing yards and 2nd in single season TD Passes

Kainan Stoner ’23 – 3rd Highest in Single Season rushing yards (294 vs. Rose-Hulman)

Ethan Beringer ’23 – Became the 19th Bluffton University receiver to go over 1,000 receiving yards in a career.

- Finished the season ranked 2nd All-Time in Career TD Receptions.

Markus Finley ’23 – 1st Team All-HCAC Offensive Lineman

Todd King & Salieu Koroma ’23 – Rushed for 143 and 105 Yards respectively.

Nardo File:

- Entering 20th Season in Coaching (NCAA D2, NCAA D3, NAIA and HIGH SCHOOL LEVELS)

- 6 Years of Coordinating Experience (38-25)

- Back to Back NCAA Division 2 Playoff Appearances

- 2 Top 10 National Finishes

- 1 Harlon-Hill Finalist

- 1 Conference and Super Region 3 (Div. 2) Offensive Player of the Year

- 41 All-Conference Performers

- 4 All-Region

- 1 NFL Signee – Austin Willis (Raiders, Lions, and Bills)

What Peers Say:

James Grandey – Bluffton Athletics Director: “We are excited to have Matt and his family join our campus community. His vision for our football program aligns with the university's mission and the goals of our athletic department. We look forward to supporting Matt and his staff as he develops people of character to have a positive impact on our campus and the surrounding community, and as they move forward in their careers after graduation."

Jamar Cain – Denver Broncos Pass Rush Coordinator: “Nardo has always been a student of the game and willing to learn! I’m excited to see him build the Beavers football program.”

Garin Higgins – Emporia State Head Football Coach: “Will make the program better because of his unwavering work ethic and his communication skills. He truly cares for his players and will make them better on and off the field.”

Jeff Filkovski – NC Wesleyan University Head Football Coach: “Matt is a great one. Not only does he have a great offensive mind, but he genuinely cares about his players success and building relationships. That’s what sets Matt apart from other coaches, makes him special.”

Shap Boyd – Erskine University Head Football Coach: “His work ethic is impeccable and his football knowledge is beyond his years. Most importantly he cares. He cares about the team and he cares about his players. He was a young coach when he worked for me, but you could tell he had potential to grow into a great one. I was blessed and our team was blessed to have him.”

Tony Koehling – Hutchinson Community College Offensive Coordinator: “Coach Nardo is one of the best in the business. I was fortunate to work alongside him and see firsthand both his knowledge of the game and how much he cares for his players. He’s genuine, loyal and dedicated in all aspects of his life. The Bluffton football program is in great hands.”