Coach Matthess is a Tipton, Iowa, native who played college football at Iowa Central Community College, where he played tight end and offensive tackle. After college, Matthess played arena football for several teams including the Quad City Steamwheelers, Fargo Freeze and Madison Mad Dogs. He has been coaching high school football since 2003 and brings extensive experience on both sides of the ball. In 2020 Coach Matthess was selected as District Coach of the Year & Regional Coach of the Year while he was the Head Coach at Nodaway Valley.
2021- 2022 - Des Moines Roosevelt - Defensive Coordinator
2020 - 2021 - Nodaway Valley High School - Head Coach
2017 -2020 - Clarke Community High School - Head Coach
2016 - 2017 - Center Point Urbana - Defensive Coordinator
2015 - 2016 - Independence High School - Head Sophomore Coach / STC
2014 - 2015 - Alburnett High School - STC / Offensive & Defensive Line Coach
2013 - Cedar Rapids Prairie - Running Backs Coach
2006 - 2013 - Cedar Rapids Washington - Sophomore Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
2004 - 2005 - Springville High School - Head Football Coach
2003 - 2004 - Iowa City West - Offensive Line Coach
Coach Matthess received his Bachelor of Science from Mount Mercy University, where he was a double major in secondary education and all social science in 2016. He is currently obtaining his master’s in special education from Morningside College and works as a special education teacher at Lincoln High School.
Family: Four children - Tavius, Tate, Isabelle and Landon.
What are you excited about this next season here at Lincoln? "Just getting into the building more and learning more about our athletes, and building the relationships with them. I truly believe that when players realize that their coaches care about them beyond the football field that is when special things happen on the football field.”
Favorite College & Pro football teams: Iowa Hawkeyes & Denver Broncos
Favorite Motivational Quote: What doesn't challenge you, will not change you! - Denise DeHamer
Des Moines Lincoln Activities Director Phil Chia: “We are very excited for Duane Matthess to take over the Lincoln football program. After talking with previous coaches and administrators who have worked with Coach Matthess, we felt he would be a great fit for the Lincoln program.
He has been hard at work securing a staff, getting to know the kids, establishing an off-season strength program, and engaging community members. Coach Matthess knows the importance of understanding the southside community and we are thrilled for him to build upon our history and recent success. Go Rails!”