Matthew Lindley began his successful career as the head coach of the Gilmour Academy cross country programs in 1997, making 2021-22 his 25th year at the helm. Lindley also serves as an assistant coach with the boys and girls track and field programs.

Under his direction, the Gilmour girls cross country team has made 16 trips to the OHSAA Division III State Meet, earning a state title in 2006 and runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2013. Heading into the 2021 season, his teams have earned 16 top-10 finishes at states, including finishing third in 2005, 2012 and 2015; fifth in 2008 and 2020; eighth in 2014, 2016 and 2019; ninth in 2010 and 2011; and 10th in 2001. With his leadership, the Lancer girls earned 11 consecutive conference championships, including seven MAC-8 titles from 1999-2005 and four Independent School League (ISL) titles from 2006-2010.

Lindley’s boys cross country squads have made six trips to the OHSAA Division III State Meet, finishing fifth in 2013, eighth in 2001, ninth in 2017, 10th in 2015, 11th in 2018 and 14th in 2005. The boys have qualified for the regional championships 17 of the past 19 seasons and have won 10 district titles (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018).

Lindley has earned much recognition for his efforts, having turned a small group of 10 runners into a highly-competitive squad of nearly 30 student-athletes. He has been named coach of the year eight times by the News-Herald (2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019) and twice by the Plain Dealer (2006 and 2015). The Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (OATCCC) has selected him as both the District Boys Coach of the Year (2001) and District Girls Coach of the Year (2006).

The Shaker Heights, Ohio resident has a Bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Rice University and a Master’s degree in education from Ursuline College. He has been employed as a social studies teacher at Gilmour for 25 years. He received the University of Chicago's Outstanding Educator Award in 2012.