Matt Olinger enters his second season as the Director of Basketball Operations at Vanderbilt after 11 seasons on the Liberty University basketball staff. Olinger spent his last eight seasons at Liberty on the coaching staff, and served in various other capacities that include assistant coach, director of basketball operations and graduate manager while being a part of two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2004 and 2013.
“I am both humbled and excited for the opportunity to join Coach Drew and his staff as well as the rich tradition at Vanderbilt,” said Olinger. “I have always followed Coach Drew and his program from afar and have always respected not only their success, but also their attention to character. The future of Vanderbilt basketball is bright and I am truly honored to have the opportunity to be a part of it.”
Olinger worked his way up the ranks of the program with the Flames, beginning with serving as manager and head manager during his undergraduate studies at Liberty. Understanding the time, energy, and work that goes into building a successful program, Olinger became a valuable asset to the Flames.
Olinger first joined the coaching staff in 2008 as the director of basketball operations under then head coach Ritchie McKay. During the 2008-09 season, the Flames garnered their first 20-win season since 1991 and also their first postseason appearance since the 2004 NCAA Tournament in the College Insider Tournament.
Olinger served as an interim assistant coach during the spring of 2008 and the spring and summer of 2009. In the fall of 2011, Olinger was promoted to assistant coach where he served until the 2013 season. During his time as assistant coach, Olinger’s responsibilities included post player development, individual workouts, opponent scouting and recruiting.
After spending a year away from basketball, Olinger returned to Liberty as the assistant to the head coach from 2014-16 and then in the spring of 2016, was named an assistant coach with the Flames.
During his time with Liberty, Olinger helped recruit Seth Curry, who currently plays in the NBA, and coached 2011 Big South Player of the Year Jesse Sanders, 2013 Big South Tournament MVP Davon Marshall, and 12 other first or second team all-conference players.
A 2007 graduate of Liberty with a degree in Sport Management, Olinger went on to receive his MBA in 2011. He is married to the former Kathryn Farris and they have one son, Preston.
The Olinger File
High School: Bethesda Christian
College:
Liberty (2003-2007)
Liberty (2008-2011)
Education: B.A., Sport Management, 2007; MBA, 2011
Coaching Experience:
2016-present – Vanderbilt Director of Basketball Administration/Video Coordinator
2014-16 (2 years) – Liberty – Assistant to the Head Coach
2011-14 (3 years) – Liberty – Assistant Coach
2008-11 (3 years) – Liberty – Director of Basketball Operations
2007-08 (1 year) Liberty – Graduate Assistant
Hometown: Brownsburg, Ind.
Wife: Kathryn
Children: Preston