The Melissa High School football team has two assistant coaches, Coach Matt Spann and Coach Ryan Hamilton, who have been recognized by The Texas 50 in their 2026 Inaugural Class of Top Assistant Football Coaches Across the State. This new annual recognition honors the top assistant football coaches in the state, with this year honoring over 50 coaches around Texas.
Coach Matt Spann - Defensive Coordinator
Coach Spann is the Defensive Coordinator and coaches safeties for the Melissa Cardinal Football team. This is his eleventh year in education and his seventh working with Melissa ISD. In addition to his football coaching, Spann is also a Special Education and Inclusion Math Teacher at Melissa High School, as well as a hurdles coach for the MHS track team.
Coach Spann is the greatest representation of what it truly means to be a coach,” Melissa High School Athletics Boys’ Coordinator Coach Matt Nally said. “He is everyone's biggest fan and supports everyone in their efforts. I couldn't ask for a better man to be around our football players. His demand for excellence on and off the field is what young people need these days for themselves to reach their maximum potential and be the best versions of themselves. Defensively, he is always on the cutting edge and doesn't allow football to pass him by while always having our players in mind in what they can do that will make them successful. We are very blessed that Coach Spann has called Melissa his home and directed our defense here for the Black Flag.”
Coach Spann was grateful for this recognition, “Being named in the Texas Top 50 is such an honor and privilege because there are so many great coaches across the state that uphold standards and are committed to excellence every single day.”
Coach Ryan Hamilton - Offensive Coordinator
Coach Hamilton, who was also honored, is an Offensive Coordinator for the Melissa Cardinal Football team. He is in his seventh year in Melissa ISD and also serves as a PALs teacher and Powerlifting coach at Melissa High School.
Coach Nally praised Coach Hamilton’s work, “Coach Hamilton has been here at Melissa ISD for almost a decade. I have seen him grow as a young adult into a great man. His knowledge of the game offensively is at the highest level, and it is very awesome to watch him at work every Friday night. As a coach, there is so much more going on than just calling plays and practice planning. Coach Hamilton was born to lead young men not just into a game but into life. Coach Hamilton is a person of high integrity, and he models that every day. We are so blessed here at Melissa ISD that Coach Ryan Hamilton is a part of our family and coordinates our offense for the Cardinals.”
“It is a great honor to be a part of the Texas 50 and represent Melissa football and the community of Melissa, as well as the coaches that have mentored me to this point in my career.” Said Coach Hamilton. “ I didn’t get this recognition without really good coaches around me. Thank you to the Texas 50!”
The Texas 50 selected from 1A-6A classifications and honored coaches who are instrumental in the success of football programs. These coaches exemplify a strong commitment to developing student-athletes, fostering positive team cultures, and making meaningful contributions to their communities. The coaches who were recognized will participate in a four-part Master Class series this month, and attend a capstone event on June 17 in Waco. They will attend these events to showcase their excellence while also assisting in the continued development of all coaches across Texas.
Congratulations to Coaches Spann and Hamilton on this well-deserved recognition. Their dedication to developing student-athletes and strengthening the Melissa football program continues to make a lasting impact, and Melissa ISD is proud to have leaders like them guiding our Cardinals both on and off the field.