Matt Canada was born in New Palestine, Indiana in 1972. A football fan from the age of three, he would attend football games with his dad. They would sit in the end zone and break down what the defense was doing. Canada played football, starting at quarterback for 2 years in high school, leading his team to a 20-3 record. He was recruited to play at Indiana University, but a knee injury ended his football career, at least on the field.
Canada enrolled at Indiana University, majoring in finance, his football career was done. Before his Sophomore season Football Coach Bill Mallory asked him to join his coaching staff.