Matukewicz hires defensive coordinator for Southeast Missouri State football team

~ Matukewicz hired an assistant from his time at Toledo

New Southeast Missouri State football coach Tom Matukewicz drew on his former school in taking his first official step in filling out his staff Thursday when he hired a University of Toledo assistant as his defensive coordinator.

Bryce Saia will fill the role for Matukewicz, who was the defensive coordinator at Toledo before being hired to coach the Redhawks on Dec. 19. Saia was the safeties coach for the Rockets the past two years.

"We are very fortunate to have a coach with Bryce's experience join our staff," Matukewicz said in a press release. "I have known Coach Saia for over 20 years. Our defensive players will love playing for him."

Matukewicz and Saia have a history together before Toledo. Both were on the coaching staff of Jerry Kill during his tenure at SIU Carbondale. Matukewicz was there from 2001 to 2007, while Saia was on the staff from 2004 to 2007.

Both coaches have had stops in Kansas at Emporia State and Butler Community College.

Saia previously had spent one season as a defensive coordinator at Emporia State before moving on to Toledo. He moved up to the position after serving as Emporia State's defensive backs coach for two seasons, according to the release.

The Joplin, Mo., native was a defensive line coach for the Arizona Rattlers in the Arena Football League before going to Emporia State.

The release also noted Saia was a two-time all-state linebacker in high school.

Southeast went 3-9 in 2013 under Tony Samuel, who was fired after his eighth season on Nov. 26. Brian Mohnsen served as the Redhawks' defensive coordinator during Samuel's final three seasons.

Southeast ranked eighth among the nine teams in the OVC in scoring defense at 36.8 points per game. The Redhawks also were eighth in total defense, allowing 472.6 yards per game. Southeast was last in rushing defense at 263.8 yards and fifth in passing defense at 208.8.

Matukewicz has yet to name an offensive coordinator.

-- From staff report