Football Announces New Additions to Coaching Staff
Marshall, Mo., (Jan. 8, 2026)- Missouri Valley College football Head Coach LaQuentin Black announces the hiring of three new assistant coaches to his staff going into the 2026 season. Those three new coaches including Kevin Griffin, Barrett Mathews and Melvindrick Johnson.
Kelvin Griffin joins the Viking football coaching staff as the Associate Head Coach, and will serve as the Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach. Griffin comes to Missouri Valley after spending last season as Co-Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Line Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at NCAA Division III Bluffton (Ohio). He also served in the Defensive Coordinator role at NAIA programs Madonna (Mich.), Langston (Okla.), and Bethel (Kan.). At Langston, Griffin led one of the best defensive units in the NAIA. His 2019 defense was ranked No. 1 in the Nation in rush defense, rush yards allowed and opponent's third down conversion, and was ranked No. 4 in total defense. In 2021, Griffin's defense ranked No. 6 in total defense and No. 5 in opponent's third down conversion. He coached five NAIA All-Americans at Langston from 2018-2022, including two Sooner Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award winners and 24 all-conference selections. At Bethel, his 2016 defense ranked in the top 25 in six different statistical categories, and coached one All-American and 15 all-conference award winners. As a student-athlete, Griffin played NCAA Division I football for Ohio University.
"Coach Griffin brings a wealth of coaching experience to our football program, and has played the game at a high level as well," said Black. "I have been a fan of the aggressive style of defense that Coach Griffin has implemented and been a part of during his coaching career. He is an excellent recruiter and has a knack for identifying and developing talent. He is a true champion and a great human being who is about doing the right things and will be a great addition. I am excited to welcome his wife, Lorie, and sons, Christian and Laymon, to the Viking family.
Barrett Mathews will join the staff as the Tight Ends Coach. In 2025, Mathews was the Head Coach at Lawton Eisenhower (Okla.) High School in Lawton, Okla., and built the program to its largest participation in school-history. Prior to his tenure at Lawton Eisenhower, Mathews has spent time as an assistant coach since 2019 at Legacy (Texas) High School, DeSoto (Texas) High School and Odessa Permian (Texas) High School. Mathews played NCAA Division I football at the University of Texas, as a tight end, fullback and wide receiver, and was a student-athlete on the 2009 National championship team. He also spent time as a fullback with the Houston Texans in 2013.
"Coach Mathews brings a great deal of experience at all levels of football, and comes from championship pedigree," said Black. "He will be a great addition to our Viking family and will provide great mentorship on and off the field to our players."
Melvindrick "MJ" Johnson comes back to the Viking football program as the Running Backs Coach. MJ returns to the program after playing as tight end and quarterback for Missouri Valley during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In 2025, MJ was the Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach at Ellsworth (Kan.) Community College. He coached two NJCAA First Team All-Region selections, and coached an offense that averaged 275 yards per game and 24.7 points per game.
"We welcome MJ back with open arms as he is a Valley alumnus who took his sights up to Ellsworth as an assistant coach," said Black. "He is an exceptional young man who will provide valuable leadership qualities that we look for in all aspects from someone who knows Missouri Valley on all levels."
The 2025 season was the first under Head Coach LaQuentin Black and produced four selections to the Heart of America Athletic Conference All-South Division Team and eight NAIA Scholar Athletes.
About Missouri Valley College
Standing out as one of the most innovative and student-focused liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, Missouri Valley College (MVC) is committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through the Viking Voyage program, MVC prioritizes career readiness from day one, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel after graduation. Each of MVC's 30+ in-demand majors—including nursing, business, cybersecurity, computer science, criminal justice, and exercise science—integrates personal instruction, experiential learning, and professional opportunities to prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing and globally connected world. At Missouri Valley College, higher education is more than earning a degree—it's a transformative journey that begins with the end.