Applebaum Returns to Lead Offensive Line

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Boston College head football coach Jeff Hafley announced the hiring of Matt Applebaum as offensive line coach on Tuesday. Applebaum, who served as the Eagles' offensive line coach in Hafley's first two seasons from 2020-21, returns for his second stint on the Heights.

"We are thrilled to have Matt, his wife Bethany and their son Colton back in Boston," stated Hafley. "Our players are excited to have Coach Applebaum back and get to work."

Applebaum spent the 2022 season in the NFL as the Miami Dolphins' offensive line coach; helping Miami to its first playoff appearance in six years. The Dolphins allowed five fewer sacks than the previous season and improved their rushing average from 3.5 yards to carry to 4.3; an improvement of nine spots in the league rankings.

During his initial stint at BC, Applebaum coached nine All-ACC selections and a pair of All-Americans in Zion Johnson, who was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and Alec Lindstrom. The entire starting offensive line earned All-ACC in 2021, led by Johnson and Lindstrom on the first team.

"Coach Applebaum knows what it takes to forge a top-tier offensive line and develop talent for professional football," said Johnson, who started all 18 games, including the playoffs, for the Los Angeles Chargers this past season. "I'll always be grateful for his mentorship in helping me reach my goal of being a first round pick and playing in the National Football League."

Applebaum reunites with two-year starter Christian Mahogany, who was voted All-ACC Second Team in 2021 and returns to the field after missing all of 2022 following ACL surgery.

"I can't wait to get back to work with Coach Applebaum," said Mahogany. "Our whole unit was an All-ACC offensive line two seasons ago and I know we can achieve that and more under his leadership."

In 2021, Boston College averaged 165.2 rushing yards per game and allowed 2.17 sack per game, which ranked fourth best in the ACC. The 2020 offensive line gained four All-ACC nods with Lindstrom claiming his first of two first-team picks. The line started all 11 games together and contributed to the third-ranked passing attack in the ACC at 284.2 yards per game.

Applebaum spent the 2018-19 seasons at Towson as offensive line coach. In both seasons, Aaron Grzymkowski earned All-CAA honors – second-team in 2019 and third-team in 2018. Offensive lineman Matt Kauffman earned FCS All-America honors and was named first-team All-CAA. Applebaum's unit helped protect quarterback Tom Flacco, who was named CAA Offensive Player of the Year. The Tigers had the top scoring (34.5) and total (465.0) offense in the CAA that season.

Applebaum spent the 2016-17 seasons at Davidson, where he coached the offensive line. He was promoted to offensive coordinator/offensive line in 2017. He also coached offensive line for Bucknell (2013) and Southeastern Louisiana (2015).

Applebaum has five years of NFL experience, including his season with the Dolphins. He was an offensive assistant for Jacksonville in 2014 and spent three seasons (2008-10) with Washington in a variety of roles. He joined Washington in 2008 as a pro personnel assistant before being promoted to college personnel assistant in 2009 and moving into coaching as an offensive assistant in 2010.

From 2011-12, Applebaum served as a graduate assistant at the University of Miami. His first coaching job came in 2008 at Central Connecticut State, where he served as tight ends coach and video coordinator.

A Yardley, Pennsylvania native, Applebaum was a two-year starter on the offensive line at Connecticut, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science. He and his wife, Bethany, have a son, Colton.

Applebaum's Coaching Career
2022: Miami Dolphins, Offensive Line
2020-21: Boston College, Offensive Line
2018-19: Towson, Offensive Line
2017: Davidson, Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line
2016: Davidson, Offensive Line
2015: Southeastern Louisiana, Offensive Line
2014: Jacksonville Jaguars, Offensive Assistant
2013: Bucknell, Offensive Line
2011-12: Miami (Fla.), Graduate Assistant
2008-10: Washington (NFL), Player Personnel/Offensive Assistant
2008: Central Connecticut State, Tight Ends

Players Mentioned

Christian Mahogany

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