Aaron Mershman was hired as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in the spring of 2022.
Mershman brought a new style of play with him, and it didn't take long for his up-tempo system to produce dividends. The Lions led the NJAC in passing offense (206.8 YPG), and three TCNJ pass-catchers (receivers Malin Jasinski and TJ Sheehan and tight end Thomas Burke) were named to the All-NJAC Team.
Mershman came to Ewing after four seasons at Misericordia University, where he spent the prior two years as offensive coordinator. During that time, he helped guide the Cougars to a pair of appearances in the Centennial-MAC Bowl Series.
Mershman served as offensive line coach for the first two years of his Misericordia tenure. In 2018, the Cougars enjoyed a breakout campaign that included an 8-3 mark, a program-record 177.9 rushing yards per game, and a scoring offense (32.6 PPG) that averaged more than 10 points per game over the previous year. Mershman produced four all-conference players as O-line coach.
“I'm excited to work with Coach Mershman again,” said TCNJ coach Casey Goff, who was head coach at Defiance in 2016 before leaving for TCNJ, when Mershman took his previous post. “He is going to bring a new level of intensity, enthusiasm, and energy to our offense. We have a staff that's as good as any I have ever been around and we're anxious to get rolling in 2022.”
Before his time at Misericordia, Mershman spent three seasons at Defiance College, during which the Yellow Jackets boasted 15 all-conference players and the best record in a decade. Mershman started as offensive line coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2016 and to head coach in 2017.
“I am thrilled to be back with Coach Goff in a program with so much potential and opportunity for growth,” Mershman said. “This was a perfect opportunity for me and my family to become part of a great community and an institution with so many talented student-athletes. I am excited to work with our players and to help them reach their potential both on and off the field.”
Mershman also worked as an offensive graduate assistant at his alma mater, Ball State, as well as a defensive graduate assistant at Bowling Green, where he was part of a MAC title in 2013.
Mershman was a three-year letter winner as a fullback at Ball State, compiling 18 receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns in his career. During his senior season, the Cardinals finished 9-4 and played in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s St. Petersburg Bowl.
