Humbert steps down as Belle Vernon football coach
Matt Humbert did about as good as any head football coach could do in his 11 years at Belle Vernon, but the 2003 Laurel Highlands graduate has decided to let someone else lead the Leopards, at least on the gridiron.
Humbert’s decision was posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on social media Thursday afternoon around 3.
“With a multitude of emotions, I am submitting my resignation as Head Football Coach at Belle Vernon Area School District,” Humbert wrote. “To say this has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my life does not give it justice.
“My main reason is simple. Time. I have sacrificed much of my own family’s time to dedicate time to my football family. I have always put my program first, and I don’t have any regrets about that for the simple fact that it is a prerequisite to coaching.
“My family has always embraced and supported that concept and truly been a part of the collective Leopard Football team.”
Humbert’s resume at Belle Vernon includes a record of 98-26 over 11 seasons, including many playing in a conference with the likes of perennial power Thomas Jefferson.
The Leopards reached the peak of the WPIAL and Pennsylvania football mountain in 2022 and 2023 with back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA championships in Class 3A. Belle Vernon never missed the playoffs with Humbert as its coach.
Humbert’s journey to coaching began when he was the quarterback for the Mustangs in high school. He helped lead Laurel Highlands to a WPIAL playoff berth during his senior season in 2002. LH had a prolific passing attack with Humbert at the helm.
Humbert competed in track & field at Laurel Highlands in the 110 and 300-meter hurdles, where he has the county record.
Humbert played in college for PennWest California (formerly California University of Pennsylvania) before serving as a graduate assistant for the Vulcans.
Humbert’s first head coaching job was at Ringgold when he was 24-years-old. The Rams were 30-13 under Humbert, including an undefeated regular season in his first season at the helm.
Humbert took over at Belle Vernon in 2014. Before winning back-to-back state titles, the Leopards reached five semifinals and two WPIAL championship games, and won four conference titles before getting over the hump.
“I have truly given my all over the past 11 years to BVA Football, the coaching staff, and the entire BVA football family for the incredible opportunity to work alongside such dedicated individuals,” Humbert posted on X. “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and it’s been a true privilege to be part of a program that has so much equity and sweat poured into it by everyone involved.
“To see where this program has come from to where it is now gives me more gratification than I can put into words.
“There have been a lot of wins, trophies, championships and medals, but to see my former players entering adulthood and leaning on me and our program’s values has been the biggest reward.”
Humbert will stay on as the athletic director at Belle Vernon.
“I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition and assist in any way that is helpful before my departure,” wrote Humbert. “I am not pursuing any other professional opportunities and look forward to focusing solely on my AD duties.”