Matt Ebner enters his fifth season on the Blugolds coaching staff in 2020-21. 

In the 2018 campaign, UW-Eau Claire had their best season since 2012, finishing with an overall record of 4-6. The Blugold defense led the charge, with two defensive players earning First Team All-WIAC honors, the most First Teamers for the program since 2013. In addition, Ebner coached First Team All-Region and Second Team All-American, linebacker Sam Romanski. 

Under Ebner's leadership, the Blugold defense had a WIAC-leading 39 sacks and also recorded 10 interceptions in 2018, tallying 30+ sacks and double-digit interceptions for the first time since 2007. In the WIAC, the Blugolds ranked third in pass and total defense and fifth in rushing and scoring defense. Eau Claire was also number one in the league in red zone defense.

While Ebner coordinates the defensive staff and game plans, the Blugold alum also serves as the linebackers coach. Ebner is also responsible for recruiting southern Wisconsin and organizes the annual alumni golf outing.

Ebner was previously the defensive coordinator at UW-River Falls from 2013-2015. In addition to coaching the linebackers, he was the academic/eligibility advisor for players, organized events such as the football and athletic department golf outing, along with running the team’s social media accounts. Ebner also held administrative positions for the Falcon athletic department, serving as the associate athletic director for a year and two years as an associate lecturer for the Health and Human Performance Department.

Prior to coaching at River Falls, Ebner was an assistant for the Blugolds from 2008-2010 where he coached the defensive line and served as the video coordinator, freshman academic advisor and assistant strength and conditioning coach.

Ebner played defensive end for the Blugolds from 2005-08. He was a three-year letter winner and was named to the second All-WIAC team his senior season.

The Mindoro, Wis. native lives in Eau Claire with his wife, Emily (also a Blugold alum) and their two sons, Henry and Hugo.

Updated 3/23/2020