Daviess County football coach Matt Brannon is stepping down after 20 years with the program. Brannon spent the last 9 seasons as the head coach, touting the second-most wins in school history with 58.
And while there have been several accolades to celebrate – including multiple city-county championships, district championships, and the first 2 regional championship appearances in school history – that’s not how Brannon measures success.
“Those were all great moments, but they don’t compare to the phone calls and the texts I’ve received [after making the announcement],” Brannon said. “It’s proof that we’ve made an impact over the last 20 years and that I’ve impacted these guys’ lives. When I’m getting invites to their weddings, and they’re calling about life events, that’s what’s special.”
The decision had been weighing on him for some time, with the true epiphany coming when he attended one of his assistant coach’s weddings and several former players surrounded him to reminisce.
“After running into many of the guys, it solidified my thoughts that they appreciated me. It’s always been about more than coaching,” he said. “I told the team today my passion is football and coaching, but really, it’s more about helping people. I’m interested in finding some new challenges to help people in different ways.”
Brannon spends his days as a P.E. teacher and an active member of the community. He’s not sure what the future holds, but until then, he said he’ll continue being the best teacher he can be.
As coaches resign, several cite wanting to spend more time with their families. He said that statement didn’t resonate with him because his family has always been integral to the program.
“I’m not going to use the cliche line of I need to spend more time with my family,” he said. “My family has always been a part of this program, which has helped foster success. It’s helped me create a family atmosphere because they were always so involved … I’m very appreciative of my wife Megan and the girls for allowing me to do what I love.”
He added that his staff has remained faithful during his head coaching tenure, including Chris Renfrow and Barney Hall, who joined him on day 1.
“When you’ve had essentially the same coaching staff with just a few minor changes, that longevity has made my life easier,” he said. “My staff has been like family; they all mean a lot to me personally.”
The Central City native and Kentucky Wesleyan graduate said he’s unsure what the future holds. But one thing is for sure: he’ll always be a panther.
For 20 years, the red and white have operated under the mantra: Faith. Family. Football.
“As opportunities present themselves that allow me to impact a life positively, I’m going to do that,” Brannon said. “I’m not sure exactly what the future holds, but I’m prepared for anything because of this program.”
Brannon spent his last season on the sidelines with his daughter Maddie, dancing for the dance team at DCHS. His younger daughter Morgan eagerly participated in a youth cheer clinic while Megan and several family members watched from the stands.
“Faith, family, and football – it’s a motto we live by,” Brannon said. “We’ve raised our kids on these sidelines, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
