Jan. 9, 2004

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State head football coach Chuck Martin announced the hiring of Matt Pawlowski as defensive coordinator for the Laker football program. Pawlowski will also handle the duties of coaching the defensive backs for GVSU.

"I am excited to bring in such an experienced and quality coach in Matt Pawlowski," said Martin. "Matt brings an incredible amount of knowledge into our football program and knows first-hand what we want to do on the defensive side of the ball," added Martin.

Pawlowski comes to GVSU after spending one year as the defensive coordinator at Ashland University. Ashland ranked in the top five of six different GLIAC defensive categories, including four of which the Eagles ranked second. Ashland was second in pass defense (185.4 ypg), rushing defense (112.4ypg), total defense (297.5 ypg) and red zone defense, while ranking fourth in scoring defense (22.9) and pass efficiency defense (105.7). Ashland ranked second behind GVSU in rushing defense and total defense. In addition, the Eagles ranked nationally in rushing defense and total defense. Pawlowski was a key contributor to Ashland defensive back Toure Carter earning 2003 all-america honors and linebacker Devin Conwell ranking nationally in total tackles and tackles for loss.

"The opportunity to become the defensive coordinator at Grand Valley State and work with an outstanding football coach in Chuck Martin was one that I jumped at immediately," said Pawlowski. "Grand Valley State has tremendous tradition that has built the success of program both on and off the field. I come to Grand Valley State with every expectation to continue the outstanding work ethic, level of excellence and results that GVSU has come to expect."

Prior to Ashland, Pawlowski was the defensive coordinator at Marietta College (2001-02), the O-line and D-line coach at Stow (Ohio) High School and the linebacker coach at Eastern Michigan (1999-2000). Pawlowski built a nationally-ranked defense in his 14 years (1985-99) at St. Cloud State University. The Huskies led the North Central Conference in total defense five times and ranked second once from 1987-92. Six times during his tenure St. Cloud State ranked among the nation's top 10 in defense. Pawlowski coached the defensive MVP in the North Central Conference three times while at SCSU.

Pawlowski has worked on the defensive side of the ball for most of his career, but he's been involved in just about every aspect of coaching. In addition to the above mentioned school's, Pawlowski spent five years at Ohio University (1979-84) working with linebacker and defensive backs, one year at Montana State (1978) and one year at Eastern Montana College (1977).

A native of Cuyahoga, Falls, Ohio, Pawlowski and his wife Vonee have three children: Tara (23), Korie (19) and Tommy (10). Matt will begin his duties at Grand Valley State immediately.