SAM TURNER

A coach synonymous with success at Matawan High School, Sam Turner was a fixture under fellow Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Famer Joe Martucci during a 20-year run at one of the Shore Conference ’ s most storied programs.

Turner is best known for serving alternately as the defensive coordinator and offensive line coach for Huskies teams that were perennial playoff contenders and won six state titles during his tenure from 1983 to 2016. In five of the state championship victories, the Huskies held their opponents to 14 points or less, including a 3-0 win over Rumson-Fair Haven in the 2011 Central Jersey Group III final. Matawan also reached state finals in 1984 and 2010.

As a player, Turner began his career at Elizabeth High School and won a pair of state championships under legendary coach Frank J. Cicarell. He went to play offensive line at Rutgers University, where he was a three-year letterwinner during his career from 1970-74.

His coaching career started at Jackson Memorial, where he served as the offensive and defensive line coach from 1977-82. That was followed by his 20-year stint at Matawan, where he returned to coach the offensive line this past fall.

Turner, who is a member of the New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, coached as an assistant at Donovan Catholic in 2017, Brick Township in 2018, St. John Vianney in 201920, and Colts Neck in 2021. He also has had a tremendous career as Matawan’s track and field coach, leading the Huskies to multiple state titles during the indoor and outdoor seasons.