Mendonca elevated to head football coach at College of the Sequoias

VISALIA - Tulare native, former COS football player, and current COS coach Matt Mendonca has been elevated to COS Head Football Coach after serving as the team’s defensive coordinator for the past two seasons. Mendonca brings a wealth of experience to the head coaching position after coaching, teaching, and working in the private sector in the Central Valley for over two decades.

"I am honored and excited to lead the football program at College of the Sequoias," said Mendonca. "This institution has a rich tradition of athletic excellence, and I look forward to building upon that foundation. My goal is to develop not only skilled athletes but also well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the field. We’re going to play an exciting brand of football on all three phases of the ball."

Mendonca's journey in football began as a standout linebacker at Tulare Union High School, then College of the Sequoias, and finally Jamestown University where he earned accolades for his performance on the field before transitioning to coaching. He continued his education at Fresno Pacific University, earning a degree in business and later a master's in physical education. Mendonca is employed as a full-time faculty member at COS.

In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Mendonca has also made a substantial impact at the high school level. As the Head Football Coach at Lindsay High School from 2015 to 2019, he garnered recognition as the East Sequoia League Coach of the Year in 2019. His leadership resulted in a record-setting number of school records and playoff qualifications, establishing Lindsay High School as a force in their league.

During Mendonca’s first tenure with the Giants when he was Linebackers Coach, Special Teams Coordinator, and Recruiting Coordinator (2009-2013) Under his leadership, the Giants boasted impressive defensive statistics, including being amongst the top in Valley Conference in sacks and yards allowed per game. Mendonca was the recruiting coordinator at a time when COS was as talented as they have ever been, but more importantly he prided himself on helping the student-athletes move on to the next level. “I get a lot of satisfaction out of recruiting, helping develop, and then ultimately helping young people move on to universities and/or with their careers” said Mendonca.

We are thrilled to elevate Coach Mendonca as our new head football coach," said Athletic Director Brent Davis. "His proven track record and dedication to student-athlete recruitment, development, and coaching make him the ideal leader for our football program. I love the fact that he is a former COS Student-Athlete and brings diverse job experience into this position. He’s worked in the public and private sector and he brings a unique perspective to the head coaching position. I am excited about the future of COS Football."

COS opens the 2024 Football Season against perennial Northern California power, American River College, on Saturday, September 7th at 11 a.m. at the COS Sequoias Stadium.

(Tommy Luu, COS Athletics)