RADNOR, Pa.— Eastern University Head Football Coach Billy Crocker has announced that he has elevated Matt Sutjak to the role of Defensive Coordinator. Sutjak served as a linebacker coach and defensive assistant during Eastern's run to the 2025 MAC Championship and run to the Third Round of the NCAA Football Championships.

Crocker is thrilled to include talented young coach in a coordinator role in Eastern's growing program.

"Matt was instrumental in our success on defense during our championship run this past season. He brings a wealth of Defensive Coordinator experience to our program. He produced top notch units year-after-year at the Division II level. This is a huge addition for our young program. We will continue to make great progress under Matt's direction." 

After stints at Lycoming and Rhode Island early in his coaching career, Sutjak gained most of his experience at Millersville University. He started coaching the defensive line  in 2013 before progressing into a Coordinator and Defensive Backs role from 2016-'24.

While at Millersville, he coached All-PSAC, All-Region, and All-American players and helped the Marauders to consistently rank near the top of the PSAC in a variety of different categories. He briefly served as the interim head coach in the spring of 2018.

With Sutjak on staff last year, the Eastern defense took another step forward. Jason Bateman earned AP and D3football.com All-America Honors, and the defense was ranked at or near the top of every category in the MAC and was in the top 15 throughout the year in total defense.

"I'm excited to lead this group of young men and be a part of the Eastern Football program in a coordinator role." Sutjak said.  "We are going to continue building off the momentum from last season and push this group to improve everyday as individuals and a team."

Sutjak replaces Kory David, who was hired as the Head Coach at Catholic University in Washington, D.C..

Already on staff, Sutjak's transition has already happened as the Eagles wait for warmer weather and the start of spring practice.