Evan Elberg has been appointed as the new head coach of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) men’s basketball team. The announcement was made by Director of Athletics Liz Shatkus, following the departure of former head coach Matt Goldsmith, who left to take over the program at Middlebury after ten seasons with TCNJ.
Elberg is returning to familiar territory, having previously served as an assistant coach under Goldsmith from 2015 to 2019. During his previous tenure, he played a significant role in recruiting players who contributed to TCNJ’s NJAC championship win in 2020.
“I’m excited to welcome Evan back to the TCNJ men’s basketball program,” Shatkus said. “His relentless work ethic, New Jersey recruiting ties, and passion for the game make him the right leader. The program is moving in a great direction, and I’m confident he’ll continue to build on that success.”
Most recently, Elberg spent a year as director of basketball operations at Division I Saint Peter’s University under head coach Bashir Mason. There, he managed day-to-day operations for the Peacocks and helped generate revenue through team camps.
While at TCNJ earlier in his career, Elberg was part of a staff that achieved a 66-40 record over four seasons and made consistent appearances in the NJAC Tournament. He helped recruit Randy Walko ’20 and Travis Jocelyn ’21—both later named All-Americans and NJAC Player of the Year recipients—who now play professionally overseas.
“I want to thank Liz Shaktus and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity,” Elberg said. “TCNJ is home and I can’t wait to be back on campus and be immersed in the TCNJ community. I look forward to working in a championship-level athletic department with high-academic student-athletes who compete on and off the court. I’m honored to build on the strong foundation Coach Goldsmith built over the last decade.”
During his previous time at TCNJ, Elberg also organized camps and outreach programs while serving as a liaison between athletics and student affairs.
“Evan is a home run hire for TCNJ,” Goldsmith said. “He is an elite recruiter, a tireless worker, and an incredible relationship builder. He was at TCNJ while we built the foundation of the last ten years and I am excited to watch him take the program to new heights.
Evan’s values align perfectly with TCNJ and the athletic department. He cares deeply about the college, the men’s basketball program, the alumni, and the student-athletes as much as anyone. I cannot wait to cheer on the Lions next year!”
Between his roles at TCNJ and Saint Peter’s University, Elberg spent five years as an assistant coach at Gettysburg College where he contributed significantly to their rise within their conference ranks—including helping lead them back into playoff contention after several years without postseason appearances.
As defensive coordinator there, Gettysburg led its conference in several defensive categories such as scoring defense and blocked shots while ranking among national leaders statistically.
Elberg began his coaching career shortly after graduating from Drew University where he played four years for their basketball team before holding assistant positions both at Drew University itself and Washington College (Md.).
He has also coached AAU teams including Jersey Force 17U on one of country’s top independent circuits—helping develop future professional players across different levels—and worked various elite camps nationwide.
Elberg takes over a program that recently earned consecutive NCAA Tournament berths along with an NJAC title in 2024; many key players are expected back next season.
“We are going to recruit and compete in a way that makes the entire community and alumni base proud to be a Lion,” Elberg said.
Tim Pernetti, Commissioner of the American Athletic Conference stated: “Evan Elberg is an exceptional hire as head coach at TCNJ. From the beginning of the recruiting process through graduation, he is more than a basketball coach. He is a leader and mentor of young men and builds lasting relationships on a foundation of family.”
Coach Matt Doherty added: “Evan Elberg is a rising star in the coaching profession, and his appointment as head men’s basketball coach at TCNJ is a fantastic move. With a track record of success at multiple levels, including his prior role at TCNJ, Evan brings a deep understanding of what it takes to build a winning culture. He’s a strong recruiter, a sharp basketball mind, and a tireless worker. Most importantly he’s leader who knows how connect with young men develop them both on off court I’m excited see positive impact he’ll make at TCNJ.”
