MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — The Mechanicsburg Wildcats football team has a different look to it this season in more ways than one.
New head coach Dave Heckard is surrounding his coaching staff with some of those who have done it at the highest level, including former NFL defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis, who's jumping into coaching with the team.
"Matt comes with a wealth of knowledge in what he brings to the table," said Heckard. "It’s been fun for me learning from him. I met him through some common friends and he's been a huge asset."
Ioannidis is on staff as the Wildcats assistant defensive line coach. Following his playing days he's made south-central Pennsylvania his new home, and when Heckard called- coaching was just the thing he needed to get back in the game.
"I thought about it, talked to my wife and we ultimately decided to do it," said Ioannidis. "I don’t have anything else going on right now so I might as well go out there and try to be impactful and help the team win some games."
The Wildcats have started the season 3-0 on the year. Ioannidis' players naturally are curious about his NFL days, while he's learning on the fly the experience has been everything he's thought.
"There is going to be those questions where they are curious asking about what the NFL was like," said Ioannidis. "They are excited and see those guys play on Sunday and I'm happy to entertain those questions and answer them."
While it's only his first season as a coach, it's been a perfect fit for him and his family, helping develop the next generation of players right here in south-central Pa.
"I'm not from this area, my wife is not from here, but we kind of just set up roots here," said Ioannidis. "We're not from here but the community, the staff, the players have all been super welcoming and I appreciate that."