Matt Brunson is a highly respected football coach whose more than three decades of experience have established him as one of Northwest Florida’s most accomplished and influential leaders in high school football. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to developing student-athletes and advancing the game, serving as head coach at three high schools and compiling an impressive 289–86 record. His coaching journey includes stops as Defensive Coordinator at Baker High School (1992–1996), Head Coach at Vernon High School (1997–2000), Head Coach at Crestview High School (2001–2010), and a return to his alma mater as Head Coach at Baker High School (2011–2021, 2024–present).

Across these tenures, Brunson has led programs to 22 state playoff appearances, 13 district championships, 12 regional championships, three FHSAA State Runner-up finishes, and two state championships. At Baker High School, he elevated the program into one of Florida’s most consistent contenders, highlighted by a historic 2020 state championship which was the first football title for Okaloosa County in 25 years. A former standout linebacker at Baker High School (1983–1986), Brunson was part of one of the most dominant eras of the program, including three consecutive state championships and a state-record 42-game winning streak.

His coaching success has been defined by his ability to build culture and instill discipline, accountability, and character in every program he has led. Brunson’s excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including Class 1A Florida Coach of the Year (2020), Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year (2000 and 2002 in Classes 1A and 3A), 12 FACA District Coach of the Year awards, and nine Playground News/Daily News Coach of the Year selections. Beyond championships and accolades, his legacy is the impact he has made on generations of student-athletes, developing young men of character whose influence extends far beyond the field.