EWING, N.J. – TCNJ Executive Director of Athletics Amanda V. DeMartino announced Friday that offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Eric Jendryaszek will serve as the Lions' interim head coach for the 2024 season. Former head coach Casey Goff stepped down in May after seven years with the Lions.
Jendryaszek is the longest tenured assistant on the TCNJ staff, arriving with Goff prior to the 2017 season. He came to Ewing as the Lions' offensive coordinator but has since shifted to offensive line and lead recruiting duties.
"Eric is the consummate professional and the perfect coach to lead our football program as the interim head coach for the 2024 season," DeMartino said. "As our most veteran member of the staff, Eric's ability to provide leadership and continuity for our team is something that cannot be understated."
Jendryaszek's work with the offensive linemen led to a pair of players earning All-NJAC honors in 2023. Duro Ajayi earned his second consecutive First Team nod, and Joe Matone was named to the Second Team.
The line allowed just 0.9 sacks per game, ranking first in the NJAC and 22nd nationally. TCNJ also allowed just 4.2 tackles for loss per game, again leading the NJAC and ranking 33rd in the country.
"I am excited that TCNJ has decided to name me as the interim head football coach," Jendryaszek said. "I am thankful to have worked with coach Goff over the past seven years, and I look forward to building upon the success we have achieved over the past year while continuing to work with our team of incredible assistant coaches and staff."
Offensive coordinator Aaron Mershman and defensive coordinator Edwyn Edwards remain in their respective roles, allowing for continuity on both sides of the football. Both units were among the best in the NJAC in 2023.
On offense, the Lions led the league in total offense and passing offense while finishing third in scoring. The Lions' 21.9 points per game were the most since the team averaged 25.8 points per game in 2012.
"Coach Jendryaszek has been instrumental in the recruitment of every athlete in this program who has helped build this team into one of the best units seen here in 20 years," Mershman said. "Having our recruiting coordinator, which may be the most important role on a staff, serve as interim head coach will allow TCNJ to move forward without missing a beat."
On defense, Edwards' unit finished second in the NJAC in scoring defense and led the conference with 3.4 sacks per game. The Lions were seventh in NCAA Division III in sacks. TCNJ's 15 interceptions led the NJAC and ranked 31st nationally.
"Eric will do a great job in the role of interim head coach," Edwards said. "I believe his experience as recruiting coordinator has prepared him very well for this opportunity."
TCNJ will begin a national search for its next head football coach later this year. The Lions open the 2024 season at Eastern on Saturday, Sept. 7.
