By Dillon Flanigan
Sports Editor
Former Head Football Coach Tom Godek.
On the eve of the first day of the 2025 spring semester, Head Football Coach Tom Godek is the latest leaf to fall off of the coaching tree at the university.
The university athletics and recreation department released a statement on Jan. 21, announcing Godek’s departure after 24 seasons; 11 as the head coach.
“Coach Godek has been an awesome torch bearer of the ideals that represent our university, and he has served as a tremendous mentor for countless young men at Southern Connecticut State University,” Athletic Director Terrance Jones said. “Tom was part of a historic period in Owls’ football and did an admirable job as its offensive coordinator and head coach.”
Godek served as the offensive coordinator for his first 13 years under Rick Cavanaugh until 2014 when he became the head coach.
The university extended its thanks to Godek and his family for their contributions which started back in the 80’s as an offensive tackle from 1984-87. Under his leadership, he went 38-66 as was overshadowed in recent memory compared to his run as an assistant.
As the OC, the university earned four straight berths to the Division II Playoffs from 2005-2008. Overall, during his tenure, there were 13 All-Americans on offense and 53 NE10 All-Conference Players.
The national search is underway, but in the interim, Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach Rob Eggerling, who has been on staff since 2020 has be tabbed as head coach.
The Southern News reached out to the University Athletic Department; however, they declined to comment further on the matter.
