Wildcat Football has a new leader, and Coach Matt Schmitz is ready to take the program to the next level. With more than 20 years of experience, he’s stepping into the head coach role at Dunwoody High with big plans. He’s building on Coach Mike Nash’s legacy while bringing his own energy and approach. He’s not just coaching a team. He’s shaping a system. From Junior Wildcats to varsity, every level now works together with the same goals, language, and support.
The Corky Kell Classic at Mercedes-Benz kicks off the season, but the real wins come from the day-to-day work. That means better nutrition, smarter scheduling, academic support, and a culture that helps every player grow. Backed by the Gridiron Club and our Dunwoody community, Wildcat Football is locked in for 2025. This one is about more than just football.
Full schedule at whatsupdunwoody.com/football
Building a Legacy: Coach Matt Schmitz and the Future of Dunwoody Wildcat Football
Welcome to Wildcat Country
In this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber dives into the heart of Dunwoody High School football with new head coach Matt Schmitz. From Friday night lights at North DeKalb Stadium to weekday weight training in the DHS gym, this conversation is packed with insights about what’s next for the Wildcats, reflections on the legacy of former coach Mike Nash, and the tight-knit Dunwoody community that fuels it all.
Whether you're living in Dunwoody, relocating to Dunwoody, or just want to learn more about Wildcat pride, this episode is a must-listen for fans, families, and future athletes alike.
Who is Coach Matt Schmitz?
Coach Matt Schmitz is no stranger to football. With over two decades of coaching experience at both the college and high school levels, Schmitz brings a deep playbook and deeper passion to Dunwoody High School. His journey has taken him from Clinton, Tennessee to Cincinnati, Tampa, and now the heart of the Peach State.
In his words, he never planned to live in Atlanta. But Dunwoody changed his mind, and his heart. “God chuckles at your plans,” he jokes. Now entrenched in the community and committed to the program, Coach Schmitz says he’s here to stay “until they get rid of me.”
Coach Mike Nash: A Dunwoody Legend
No conversation about Wildcat Football would be complete without honoring Coach Mike Nash. After 10 seasons, Nash stepped down in early 2025 with a 33-64 record and two consecutive playoff appearances. He wasn’t just a coach, he was a community figure.
Named the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade, Coach Nash left behind a program that he rebuilt from the ground up. As Coach Schmitz put it, “He’s still a phone call away if I need anything, from how to turn the lights on to who to hit up for money.”
Nash’s next stop is Chattahoochee County High School, but his imprint on Dunwoody will be felt for years to come. As Schmitz works to put his own stamp on the team, he remains grounded in the foundation Nash built.
One Program, One Heartbeat
One of the biggest shifts under Coach Nash, and one that Coach Schmitz proudly continues, is the unification of all football levels in Dunwoody. From Junior Wildcats (grades 6-8) to varsity seniors, every player is now part of the same system.
Shared Terminology: Play calls are consistent from middle school to high school.
Booster Support: The Gridiron Club serves all teams under one umbrella.
Unified Coaching: Varsity coaches actively mentor Junior Wildcats.
This tight integration creates a true pipeline. Gone are the days of splintered efforts across Sandy Springs or Peachtree Charter Middle School. Today, kids as young as third grade can start with flag football and rise all the way through the ranks of Dunwoody High School Football.
Facilities, Fields, and the Future
Currently, varsity games are held at North DeKalb Stadium, which Dunwoody shares with Chamblee. While JV and Junior Wildcats play at the Dunwoody High School field, the stadium doesn't meet GHSA capacity requirements for varsity events.
Despite the logistical challenges, Coach Schmitz notes that the big games draw big crowds. Rivalries against St. Pius X and Chamblee have pulled in over 7,000 fans. That kind of energy is what dreams are made of, and it’s no surprise that the Wildcats are eyeing bigger facilities in the future.
Until then, they make it work. “At the end of the day, it's still a football game,” Schmitz says. And whether it’s under the lights at North DeKalb or in front of a home crowd of passionate families from neighborhoods like Dunwoody North and The Branches, the team shows up.
Corky Kell Classic: Lights, Camera, Mercedes-Benz
The 2025 season kicks off with a bang at the iconic Corky Kell Classic, inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Wildcats will be the first game of the day, kicking off at 10 a.m. on August 16.
This is more than a game. It’s a memory-maker for players, cheerleaders, and the Wildcat Marching Band. Coach Schmitz knows how special it is, but he also knows the stakes: “At 1 o’clock, if we got an L, it’s gonna hurt just the same. The Benz goes out the window.”
Want to see the team in action? Visit whatsupdunwoody.com/football for the full varsity schedule.
Offensive Philosophy: Attack Mode
Coach Schmitz runs an aggressive, high-yield offensive system rooted in 20 years of proven strategy. But he isn’t married to any one look. Each season, he adapts based on the talent available.
In recent years, Dunwoody had two Division I-caliber receivers and an elite quarterback. So the offense “slinged it.” This year? It might be more balanced. But one thing won’t change: the Wildcats will always play to win.
“Our motto is ‘attack.' No matter the personnel, we play aggressive football.”
Coaching Continuity and Culture
Transitioning from one head coach to another can be tough. But Schmitz emphasizes that most of the staff remained in place when he took over. That includes Defensive Coordinator Ryan Gentry, Special Teams Coach Bill Cefaratti, and Assistant Head Coach Dale Myers, who also oversees the defensive line.
New to the team is Offensive Line Coach Jacob Smith, a former state-level offensive coordinator from Tennessee who moved to Atlanta to be closer to family. Coach Schmitz describes him as “special” and a huge asset, especially as Schmitz continues to wear multiple hats as both head coach and offensive coordinator.
Balancing Books and Ball
Dunwoody High School is known for its academic rigor. That can make scheduling tricky when it comes to keeping athletes in football-specific classes like weight training. While many schools automatically place players in block scheduling for training, Dunwoody requires some strategic planning.
Academic-First Culture: Many students are enrolled in AP classes, dual enrollment, and other advanced programs.
Data-Driven Coaching: Schmitz has researched college admissions to find the “sweet spot” for AP credits, helping parents and students balance academics and athletics.
Open Dialogue: The coaching staff actively works with guidance counselors and parents to ensure students thrive in both arenas.
Fueling Performance: Nutrition and Fitness
One major focus for the 2025 season is nutrition. Partnering with Fresh Market in Dunwoody, the football program now provides weekly fruit donations to players. They're also expanding efforts to ensure athletes get enough calories and hydration.
Why it matters: Kids often eat too little or follow fad diets from their parents. Schmitz is pushing protein shakes, carbs, and a common-sense approach to sports nutrition.
In addition to lifting and study halls, the program is building holistic health habits that support peak performance, on and off the field.
Community Support and the Gridiron Club
The Dunwoody Gridiron Club is the lifeblood of the program. From fundraising to field maintenance, this all-volunteer organization does it all. They support everything from uniforms and equipment to scholarships, away-game meals, and the year-end banquet.
Want to get involved? Visit dunwoodyhsfootball.com to join the Gridiron Club or donate.
Why Dunwoody?
When asked what makes Dunwoody special, Coach Schmitz doesn't hesitate: “It's a bubble.” In a metro area as big as Atlanta, Dunwoody feels like its own world, safe, supportive, and deeply connected.
From the Homecoming Parade to kids walking to school with backpacks on, it’s a community that still feels like a small town. And for Coach Schmitz, that’s worth everything.
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead
Dunwoody Football has momentum, two playoff appearances, a unified program, and a coach who’s all in. As Schmitz leads the team into 2025, he does so with a deep respect for the past and a clear vision for the future.
Whether you’re a parent in Village Mill, a student at DHS, or someone moving to Dunwoody and looking for a team to root for, Wildcat Football offers more than just touchdowns. It offers community, tradition, and something to believe in.
Want to support the Wildcats or check out a game?
Step One: Mark your calendar for the Corky Kell Classic on August 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Step Two: Bookmark whatsupdunwoody.com/football to stay updated on the season schedule.
Step Three: Consider joining the Gridiron Club or volunteering at a game, you’ll be part of something bigger than football.
From Dunwoody North to Redfield, the Wildcats are ready to make 2025 their year.
