HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Huntington Beach High School (HBHS) is excited to welcome Matthew Hatchette as the new head football coach, pending board approval.

Hatchette steps into the role of head coach at HBHS with a wealth of playing and coaching experience. Beginning his professional football career in 1997, Hatchette joined the Minnesota Vikings before going on to play for the New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars, spending eight years in the NFL. He transitioned to coaching in 2011 as the Defensive Coordinator at Calabasas High School before moving into the position of Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach. He then served as the Wide Receivers Coach at Crespi High School (2013) and Viewpoint High School (2014–2015) before taking on Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach positions at Pierce Junior College (2015), Orange Lutheran High School (2016), Long Beach Poly High School (2017), and Loyola High School (2018–2024).

Additionally, Hatchette has pursued a range of professional opportunities. From 2010-2017, he worked with B2G Instinct Training, during which he completed a scouting internship with the New York Jets in 2012 and served as a sports analyst for SNY Network in 2014. Hatchette was the Wide Receivers Coach for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl from 2011-2017 before taking on the role of Offensive Coordinator in 2018. He has also been a part of the Nike Elite 11 Tour since 2012.

As a testament to his exceptional achievements, Hatchette was inducted into the Hall of Fame at both Jefferson High School (2005) and Langston University (2014), where he also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Matthew Hatchette shared, "I am beyond excited for this opportunity to be the head coach of such a legendary program. I can't wait to get started with the team, the school, and get to know everyone in the community. It will take all of us banding together to create a winning culture and have the program compete at a high level. Teamwork makes the dream work...GO TIME!"

“The future of Huntington Beach High School football is bright!” expressed HBHS Principal Brenna Orr. “Coach Hatchette brings the energy, vision, and leadership our players need to thrive. His passion for the game is only matched by his commitment to shaping young athletes into leaders of character on and off the field. We can't wait to see the impact he will make!”

The Huntington Beach Union High School District is excited to welcome Coach Hatchette to the HBHS football program. We are confident that his extensive experience as both a player and coach will inspire and elevate the program and athletes for years to come.

Photo courtesy of Huntington Beach High School