Biography
Matt Bolton was named the Head Men's Basketball Coach at McMurry University in May of 2025. Before arriving at McMurry, Bolton established a culture of tenacious defense and aggressive rebounding as the Head Coach at the University of the Ozarks from 2022 to 2025. His head coaching tenure was highlighted by a signature upset victory at home over No. 18-ranked University of St. Thomas.
During the 2024-25 season, Bolton's team asserted itself as a national force on the boards and at the foul line. The squad finished 6th among NCAA Division III schools in offensive rebounds per game and 19th in overall rebounds per game. It also ranked 54th in rebounding margin. Bolton's system forced the issue offensively; his team placed 14th nationally in free throw attempts and 18th in free throws made per game. Defensively, the 2024-25 squad landed in the NCAA III top-100 for defensive field goal percentage, defensive three-point percentage, and steals per game. It also ranked 47th nationally in turnovers forced per game.
Bolton made an immediate impact in his first head coaching campaign in 2023-24, launching his career with four straight wins. He built one of the top defensive units in the American Southwest Conference (ASC). The squad ranked second in defensive field goal percentage, holding opponents below 43 percent. The team finished fourth in the ASC for fewest points allowed per game and for both offensive and defensive rebounding. Under his leadership, the program produced an All-Conference player, an All-Freshman pick, and an All-Defensive team member. Bolton emphasized individual growth as he coached an ASC top-10 scorer and several players who ranked among the league's top-20 scorers and rebounders. One standout also finished second conference-wide in both three-point field goals made and percentage.
Coaching Experience
Bolton brings a diverse collegiate coaching background to McMurry. Prior to his three-year stretch as head coach at the University of the Ozarks, he served as an Assistant Coach for the program during the 2021-2022 season. He also spent time as an Assistant Coach at Cazenovia College (2020-2021) and began his collegiate coaching career as a Graduate Assistant at Ohio University from 2019 to 2020.
Playing Career A multi-sport collegiate athlete, Bolton began his college career playing baseball at Onondaga Community College. He then transitioned to Keuka College, where he competed in both basketball and golf. He demonstrated leadership and academic commitment at Keuka. Bolton served as a Team Captain and earned honors on the NEAC All-Academic Team during his time at the school.
Education
- Master's in Coaching Education - Ohio University
- Bachelor's in Business Management and Sports Management (Minors in Finance and Investments) - Keuka College
Personal
Bolton is a native of Cato, New York.
