On Wednesday the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced its 2021 Assistant Coach of the Year winners and Concordia's Matt Strzalkowski was named a NAIA finalist.
One assistant coach from the five divisions of college football has been selected for their dedication to their teams and communities. A total of 50 nominees from Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III and NAIA were nominated in 2021. Concordia's Matt Strzalkowski was one of the NAIA nominees and was named as one of the top three finalists. Kansas Weslayan's Matt Myers came away with the top honor for the NAIA and Jason Thier from Dickinson State was the other finalist.
Strzalkowski, the team's Co-Defensive Coordinator/Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties Coach, has been with the team now for seven seasons. Last season "Straz" was named the MSFA Mideast Assistant Coach of the Year.
Throughout the 2021 season the defense was ranked in the top 10 in several categories as they were 7th nationally in points allowed per game (15.7) and third nationally in sacks (42). Other statistics for the defense placed them 25th in rushing yards allowed (110.4), 22nd in total yards allowed per game (302.5) and tied for 19th in interceptions (15).
Additionally, as the team's Special Teams Coordinator, the team averaged 22.3 return yards on kickoffs with Parker Graham's return touchdown against Siena Heights going for 92 yards. Casey Rauch, the team's punter, also was top in the NAIA in average punting yards and was able to get 33 punts downed inside the 20 yard line. The punt return team was also solid as they were able to block two punts in the final three games that lead to Cardinal scores.
The Assistant Coach of the Year award was first presented in 1997 and was created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment to the student-athlete, on-field coaching success and AFCA professional organization involvement.
