Education:
- Concordia University Ann Arbor (Mich.) - Bachelor of Science (2011 - 2014)
Experience:
- Madonna University (Mich.) - Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator (January 2025 - Present)
- Concordia University Ann Arbor (Mich.) - Co-Defneisve Coordinator (2017 - 2024)
- Concordia University Ann Arbor (Mich.) - Special Teams Coordinator (2020 - 2024)
- Concordia University Ann Arbor (Mich.) - Secondary Coach (2023 - 2024)
- Concordia University Ann Arbor (Mich.) - Safeties Coach (2014 - 2024)
Coaching Highlights:
- 2024 & 2020 MSFA Mid-East Assistant Coach of the Year
- 2021 AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year Finalist
- 2022 Coached Kickoff Return Unit to break the NAIA single season record for average yard per kickoff return (Seeger DeGayner 44.1-yard average per return)
Player Highlights:
- 5 – NAIA All-American Selections
- 1 – Cliff Harris Award Finalist
- 22 – Defensive Back MSFA All-Mideast Selections
- 16 - Special Teams MSFA All-Mideast Selections
As a Player:
- Concordia University Ann Arbor (2011-2013)
- 3-year letter winner and captain
Hiring Article:
Madonna University's Head Football Coach,
Brett Guminsky announced on Monday, January 27, that the 2024 MSFA Mid-East Assistant Coach of the Year and Concordia University Ann Arbor (Mich.) Co-Defensive Coordinator / Special Teams Coordinator, Matt Strzalkowski, will be the new Defensive Coordinator of the Madonna University Football Program.
"We are very excited to welcome Coach "Straz" to our staff", Guminsky said. "His ability to coach and develop high-performing defenses in this conference is widely recognized and documented. Beyond that, his character and ability to connect with players will prove to be great additions to our staff, team, and the Madonna University community."
"I'm super thankful to Coach Guminsky for the opportunity" Strzalkowski noted. "I think throughout this whole process with Concordia, Coach Guminsky has been one of the most genuine people to reach out and connect with me and as well as my family. That's one of the reasons why I'm fired up to be a part of this staff."
Strzalkowski, a Michigan native has done outstanding things with the Cardinals. Since he was elevated to the Co-Denfesive Coordinator for the 2017 season, the Cardinals have had a 59-25 record with two MSFA Mideast League Championships and made the NAIA Playoffs five different times. Strzalkowski is also a two-time MSFA Mid-East Assistant Coach of the Year winner in 2024 and in 2020.
Over his tenure as Co-Defensive Coordinator, the Cardinals averaged 18.2 points allowed per game. In the 2021 and 2023 seasons respectively, the Cardinals ranked sixth and seventh respectively in points allowed per game.