The University of North Alabama has hired a new men’s golf coach, and he has some very impressive credentials.

According to a release from Louisiana Tech Athletics, Bulldogs head coach and Moulton, Alabama native Matt Terry has resigned his position after nine years to take the same job at UNA, taking over the Lions program.

“On behalf of Louisiana Tech Athletics, I want to thank Matt Terry for his outstanding leadership, commitment, and service to our men’s golf program,” stated Vice President & Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey.

“Matt has been instrumental in elevating our program, developing our student-athletes, and representing Louisiana Tech with integrity and professionalism. While we are certainly disappointed to see him leave, we are excited for Matt, Dixie, and their family as they return home to North Alabama and begin this next chapter. Family is at the heart of college athletics, and this opportunity allows them to be closer to their roots and loved ones. We are grateful for everything Matt has done for Louisiana Tech and will be cheering for his continued success. He will always be a valued member of the Bulldog family.”

In addition to Terry returning to within an hour of where he grew up, it’s a major homecoming for his wife Dixie McCreless, who was a former two-sport athlete at North Alabama.

“I’m extremely excited to join the North Alabama family and come home,” Terry said. “I appreciate the faith that Dr. Looney and Dr. (Janae) Walker have in me with bringing me to Florence. I’m excited to get started on the journey with the Lions. I want to thank Ryan Ivey, Mary Kay Hungate, President (Jim) Henderson and everyone that touched my family’s lives at Louisiana Tech. You guys truly made it feel like home every day. I will always cherish our time in Ruston.”

Terry — who was named 2023 Conference USA Coach of the Year — has built a very impressive and competitive program during his near decade at Louisiana Tech, a position he took after a tremendous run at Troy both with the men’s and women’s teams for the Trojans.

By hiring Terry, the Lions are landing one of the most qualified coaches in college golf who gets to take on a new challenge in a place that means so much to him and his family.

Supporters of the program should be extremely excited about Terry’s arrival and excited at what he has a chance to build right here in Florence.