Biography: Matt Kofler
Coach Kofler was in his third season as head coach for the Mesa College Olympians when he passed away on December 19, 2008, at his home in El Cajon, California, following a brief illness.
Kofler was a first team All-American quarterback for Mesa in 1979. He led the nation in total offense and was named California Player of the Year. From Mesa, Matt accepted a scholarship to San Diego State University where he set nine SDSU passing records. In 1982 Coach Kofler was drafted into the NFL in the second round by the Buffalo Bills. Coach Kofler played four seasons in the NFL for the Bills and Indianapolis Colts.
Matt, son of former SDSU offensive line coach Otto Kofler, has either played or coached football for the past 37 year consecutive years. His coaching stints have been at many levels, including high school, four-year, and community college. Among his stops have nee Tomas Moore College (KY), Southern Illinois University and the University of Oregon.
Coach Kofler felt blessed to have the opportunity to return to his alma mater in 1998 as Offensive Coordinator and was promoted to Head Football coach in 2006. He was determined to return the Mesa Football Program to the heights of success it experienced during the era when he played for the Olympians. He said, "Our main objective is to provide a positive learning environment for our student-athletes both on and off the field. Success can be measured by many factors, not just the scoreboard. It is our responsibility to help our young men not only transfer to a four-year university, but help to arm them to be successful once there."
Matt's football career spanned 37 year consecutive years. His coaching stints have been at many levels, including high school, community college and four-year institutions. Among his stops have been Thomas More College (Ky), Southern Illinois University and the University of Oregon.
Coach Kofler, a native of Kelso, Washington, called San Diego home since 1973. Matt was the son of former SDSU offensive line coach Otto Kofler. Coach Kofler is survived by his 13-year-old son, Andrew Otto Kofler; mother Darlene Kofler, of Kelso Washington; sisters Terese Ann Ohrberg and Michelle Lea McGinnis, both of Kelso Washington; and brother Christopher John Kofler of Temecula, California. A memorial service was held in December.
Head Coach: Henry Browne
Coach Henry Browne has been the Defensive Coordinator at Mesa College since 1994, with one year as Offensive Coordinator (1996). Mesa's defensive units have ranked among the top in the Foothill Conference and in the State. Since 1994 Mesa has had 24 players earn Division I scholarships and 2 players go on to play in the NFL. Before coming to Mesa, Coach Browne was the Defensive Coordinator and Head Track Coach at Grossmont College. In addition to coaching, Coach Browne teaches in Mesa's Fitness Specialist Certification program, preparing students for careers as personal trainers and exercise professionals. Coach Browne is married and has three children.
- Coach Browne
- 619-388-5787
Lou Phillips, Defensive Line
Returning for his second season on the 2008 Olympian staff is Coach Lou Phillips. A San Diego native and a United States Marine Corps Veteran, Lou was an All Metro League Defensive End at Montgomery High School, and an All Mission Conference Defensive End at Southwestern College.
With a coaching resume spaning 16 years locally here in San Diego County, Coach Phillips was previously the Defensive Line Coach at Hoover High School, the Offensive Line Coach at Monte Vista High School, the Defensive Coordinator at Mar Vista High School, and the Offensive Line Coach at Southwestern College.
LC Douglas, Running Backs
After a long high school coaching career Coach LC Douglas took a step in 2006 and moved to the Community College level. While coaching at the high school level he was associated with several winning programs. Most notability San Diego and East County power, Helix High School.
Being from Tennessee, coach is a big fan of the South East Conference in the NCAA. He attended the University of Tennessee where he was a running back for the Vols. Known for his passion for the game and love for working with young men, Coach Douglas will be a great addition to the 2007 Mesa College staff.
Coach and his wife have a grown son and reside in La Mesa.
Joda Wolfe, Defensive Backs
Coach Wolfe is entering his first year with the Mesa coaching staff. He believes that diligent effort and optimism are the key ingredients to accomplishing great things. Coach Wolfe has fifteen years of football experience, either playing or coaching. He was a defensive back for most of his playing career which culminated at Northeastern State University. He eventually transferred to the University of Colorado, earning a degree in Economics. After testing the waters of coaching youth football, Coach Wolfe is eager to get back to competing at a higher level.
Chris Jewell
Coach Jewell is returning to be a part of the Olympian tradition after spending previous years coaching at the University of Ottawa. Chris earned first team all-conference honors at Mesa in 1998 before finishing his college playing career in Canada. Jewell is a student of the game who has coached or played in a variety of defensive systems and he plans to bring the same enthusiasm and discipline that made him successful to the line-backing unit. Coach Jewell played under current head coach Matt Kofler and defensive-coordinator Henry Brown.