He served as the head football coach at the University of Kansas from 1954 until 1957, compiling a record of 11–26–3.
He received a partial athletic scholarship to attend the school, and signed up to play football as a freshman, though he did not start in a game until his senior year.
In 1948, Mather left Hamilton to become the head coach at Massillon Washington High School, where he led the team to six state championship titles and only three career losses.
[2] In 1954, Mather accepted the head football coach position at the University of Kansas, where he also taught in the Physical Education department.
[3] He is remembered for innovating the practices and techniques of the team, advocating for the hiring of defensive coach George Allen, and ultimately contributing to the Bears' 1963 championship win.