Maryland wrestling’s Kal Miller has seen a lot of former Pittsburgh star Cole Matthews since he arrived in College Park.

The junior competed against Matthews four times in the last two seasons, with the record tied at two wins each. But Matthews secured the last blow when he defeated Miller and ended his campaign at the NCAA Championships last year.

That was the last match between Miller and Matthews, but it wasn’t their last meeting.

Coach Alex Clemsen hired Matthews as the Terps’ special assistant to the head coach in the offseason. Miller was on board when he heard about the move.

“I was like, alright, let’s do it,” Miller said. “Another good partner for me and Dario [Lemus] especially, and my brother, so it’s good to have in the room.”

Before joining the Terps’ staff, Matthews established himself as a staple for the Panthers in his six years at Pittsburgh. He qualified for the NCAA Championships five times, was a two-time ACC champion at the 141-pound weight class, an All-American in 2022 and the champion at the USA U23 Freestyle World Team Trials.

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Matthews’ former coach at Pittsburgh, Keith Gavin, doesn’t have any doubts about the transition to coaching.

“I hope he sucks, since he’s coaching somewhere else,” Gavin joked. “He’s going to do great. He has a passion for his sport and he’s kind of a natural at building relationships. I think that’s a big piece of the job.”

Matthews’ knowledge, skill, and experience benefits the Terps’ whole roster, especially wrestlers in the lower weight classes.

The 133-pound, 149-pound and 157-pound divisions are the strongest areas of Maryland’s lineup. Kal Miller and redshirt juniors Braxton Brown and Ethen Miller have qualified for the NCAA Championships each year they’ve been in the lineup.

The Terps’ coaching staff also has high expectations for redshirt freshman Dario Lemus in his first season as a starter at the 141-pound class after impressive showings in limited action last season.

Postseason play is where Matthews can help Maryland. The Millers and Brown notched a combined 2-6 record at last year’s NCAA Championships, and Matthews held a 9-8 career mark in his four years competing in the championships.

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Matthews said the key to postseason success is mental. Instead of wrestling to calm his nerves, his new solution is to help everyone prepare.

“Preparing yourself for a postseason mindset is different than how you feel in November,” Matthews said. “It’s just getting up at the right time.”

Matthews said he looks forward to every new experience as a member of Maryland’s coaching staff this season, the first year he will be “on the other side” of competing.

Maryland went 2-0 in Matthews’ first weekend on staff, with Brown and the Miller brothers combining for a 6-0 record. Just two bouts in, Clemsen appreciates what Matthews brings to the program.

“He’s in there every day, he’s working, he’s a sponge,” Clemsen said. “It’s been great having him.”