Matthew Rahn, a long-time assistant coach with the Chaparrals football program, has been named acting head coach, according to director of athletics Ryan Kaiser.
 
Rahn steps into the role after Matt Foster announced his retirement as head coach, effective Feb. 2, 2021.
 
"With the announcement of coach Foster's retirement we initially began a search for a new coach nationally,'' Kaiser said.  "With the uncertain times due to COVID-19 I thought it was in our best interest to pause that search and name Matt as our acting head coach for the foreseeable future.  Coach Rahn is a by-product of the College of DuPage.  He was recruited here, went to school and played ball here, and returned to coach here.  He knows this institution best and I am excited to watch him grow into this new role."
 
Rahn, a Wheaton native who played two seasons for the Chaps (2000-01), began his seventh season as an assistant coach in 2020. He served as the Chaps' associate head coach with offensive coordinator and director of operations responsibilities in 2019.
 
"It is a personal dream come true to be at the helm of the College of DuPage Football program,'' Rahn said. "COD was the only door open to me after to high school to play football and became the stepping stone to what has been an amazing journey.  I owe a lot to COD and am excited to lead through the unprecedented and unpredictable current events to ensure a great student-athlete experience while using our football program to help student-athletes reach their goals of a scholarship at a four-year institution.''
 
Rahn continued his collegiate career after COD at Hastings (Neb.) College. He played 12 seasons of arena football (CIFL, IFL, UIF, AFL and CIF) and coached in Brazil during his offseasons from arena league play.   He appeared in three professional arena championship games (2010, 2015, 2018) and helped his Sioux City Bandits win the 2015 Champions Indoor Football title.

Said Foster: "I wish nothing but the best and continued success for him and the program in the years ahead. Go Chaps!"

INSIDE CAPTION: Rahn (right) with Lt. Ryan Conway of the Wheaton Police Department.  Conway was honored with a game ball in 2016. They were COD teammates in the 2000 and 2001 seasons.