Bio

Matt Dickman was named Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Graceland University in April of 2026, taking over leadership of a program he helped rebuild into a conference and national contender. After serving two seasons on staff, including one as Associate Head Coach, Dickman played a central role in elevating the Yellowjackets to sustained success, contributing to three consecutive 20-win seasons and back-to-back NAIA Men’s Basketball National Tournament appearances.

During the 2025–2026 season, Graceland posted a 26-7 overall record and captured the Heart of America Athletic Conference regular-season championship, marking a significant milestone in the program’s upward trajectory. The Yellowjackets’ consistent performance and competitive identity were shaped in large part by Dickman’s influence in player development, game planning and overall program structure, helping establish Graceland as a factor at both the conference and national levels.

In 2024–2025, Graceland finished 24-8 overall and 18-6 in conference play, advancing to the national tournament while emerging as one of the most efficient teams in the league. The Yellowjackets were especially effective at home, posting a 16-1 record inside Morden Center while averaging 81.1 points per game and shooting 50.0% from the field—reflecting Dickman’s emphasis on offensive efficiency and disciplined execution.

Dickman has been instrumental in the development of key contributors throughout the program’s rise. Forward Cole Bowen led the team with 509 points and 267 rebounds, while Carter Brown established himself as one of the conference’s top perimeter threats, knocking down 83 three-pointers at a 39.7% rate. Senior Darrius Davis added 306 points and served as a steady presence on both ends of the floor.

Dickman’s long-standing coaching partnership with Todd Lorensen included previous stops at Buena Vista University and Mount Marty University, where the duo led Mount Marty to a historic 20-win season and its first GPAC tournament championship appearance. That shared experience helped lay the foundation for the culture and structure now in place at Graceland.

Prior to joining the Yellowjackets, Dickman gained experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. He served on the coaching staff of the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the NBA G-League affiliate of the Miami Heat, contributing in player development, scouting and video coordination.

His résumé also includes championship experience at Saint Louis University, where he was part of the 2023 Atlantic 10 title team, as well as an NAIA Fab Four run with Indiana University-East in 2018.

Now leading the program, Dickman brings a player-first approach, strong developmental philosophy and proven track record of building winning systems as he guides Graceland into its next era of competition in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and beyond.