Fairfield High School head football coach Matt Jones has been selected to serve as an assistant coach for the South team in the 2026 Iowa Shrine Bowl, joining a prestigious group of coaches from across the state for the annual all-star game.
The Iowa Shrine Bowl is scheduled to take place on July 25th, 2026, at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
About the Iowa Shrine Bowl
The Iowa Shrine Bowl is a long-standing annual all-star football game that began in 1972, bringing together top senior high school athletes from across the state. The event recognizes elite talent while also serving a greater purpose by raising money for Shriners Children’s Hospital, blending competition with a strong focus on service and giving back to children who need specialized medical care.
The 2026 Shrine Bowl will include around 92 of Iowa’s premier football players, along with cheerleaders and dance team members. Participants take part in a full week of practices and special events leading up to the game, highlighted by a mini-camp that allows athletes to interact with and support children served by Shriners.
Coaching Staff
Jones will work with South head coach Cory Faust of Glenwood and fellow assistant coaches Peter Kilburg (Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln), Conner Hanafan (Clarinda), Michael Joyner (Marion), Cody Matthewson (ACGC), and Dustin Elsbury (Regina Catholic, Iowa City).
The North coaching staff will be led by head coach Marty Wadle of Bishop Garrigan, with assistants Andy Brim (Webster City), Jeff Bauer (Ankeny), Kadrian Hardersen (Hinton), Michael Tangen (Decorah), Ryan Schwiesow (West Sioux), and Ryan Rezac (Esterville Lincoln Central).
Coach Jones’ Perspective
Jones shared his thoughts on the honor and what it means to him personally and professionally.
“I’ve known that I was going to be a coach in the Shrine Bowl for quite a while now. I knew before our season started at Fairfield High School,” Jones said. “My initial reaction was one of deep honor, as I have always had a huge amount of respect for the student athletes who get selected to play in that game and the coaches who get to coach in it. I also love everything the Shriners stand for in regard to helping kids with medical needs.”
Jones reflected on his own high school playing days and the respect he developed for Shrine Bowl participants.
“I never got to play in the Shrine Bowl as a high school kid coming out of Rockford Senior High, but played at Central College with some buddies who did, and automatically they garnered a huge amount of respect from me because it is a huge honor to make that cut,” Jones said.
Coaching Philosophy
Jones explained how his coaching approach will translate to working with the all-star athletes.
“I get to be an assistant coach in this game, and I still totally believe in keeping things simple so kids can play extremely hard and fast and not overthink it. Also, these are highly motivated kids who will take on challenges and accept feedback well,” Jones said.
Professional Development Opportunity
For Jones, the experience represents a valuable opportunity for growth and learning.
“Anyone that knows me knows I’m huge into professional development and working to get a little bit better every day. I read, watch, and listen a lot about football and leadership and go to clinics and talk to coaches, and I will be surrounded by some great student athletes and phenomenal coaches for this week in July. I will learn a lot through that journey,” Jones said.
He also expressed excitement about reuniting with a former college teammate on the coaching staff.
“I get to coach with one of my college teammates who I really grew closer with as we coached at the Central College football camps back in the day. I have met all the coaches on the South team, and they are great people first and foremost, and it’s just great to hang around excellent people who love football and love what the game does for young men,” Jones said.
The Mission
Jones emphasized the importance of the Shriners’ mission, sharing a personal connection to the cause.
“The mission of the Shriners hospitals is one that I absolutely love. They help children with burns, orthopedic conditions, and spinal cord injuries plus other things. They do this at no cost to the family,” Jones said. “We have had my son, Ian, in the hospital several times, and I can say that it is stressful and can be heartbreaking. It adds another level of worry when you think about paying the bill.”
Jones highlighted the fundraising component and interaction with Shriners’ patients.
“The great thing about this game is that each student athlete is going to get to raise some money for the Shriners Hospital. We are also going to get to have multiple days on the field with kids who have benefited from the Shriner hospitals. This will be special, and a great reminder to count our blessings,” Jones said.
Representing Fairfield
Jones concluded by expressing his pride in representing his school and community.
“It will be fun to represent Fairfield High School with class and passion,” Jones said.
