CALDWELL, N.J. – Thomas "T.J." Kroncke, who has served as Caldwell University Sprint Football assistant coach for the past two seasons, was today named the program's fourth head coach, it was announced by Mark A. Corino, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics. Kroncke, the defensive line coach under former head coach Louie Matsakis in 2024 and 2025, has 14 years' coaching experience at the high school and collegiate level.

"We are fortunate that someone with Coach Kroncke's credentials and dedication has already been among our ranks and has accepted the position," said Corino. "This gives the program a degree of continuity with a trusted leader at the helm to continue and augment the success the program has enjoyed on and off the field."

Kroncke, a 2006 graduate of Montclair State who earned Master's degrees at the University of Texas in 2010 and American College of Education in 2021, began his coaching career at Paramus Catholic H.S. in 2010, mentoring running backs and the junior varsity team for four years. He moved on to Wood-Ridge H.S., where he was assistant head coach and defensive coordinator from 2014-2018. He took over as head coach at Palisades Park/Leonia H.S. in 2018, leading the Tigers for four seasons.

At present, Kroncke will continue as the coach of Caldwell University's new flag football program, which begins play in the 2026-27 academic year.

"I am honored that Mr. Corino and the Caldwell University athletics program has the confidence in me to step into this role," said Kroncke. "I'm looking forward to putting my stamp on the program and taking it to new heights."

Caldwell finished 2025 at 4-4, including its first win over the University of Pennsylvania. Four Cougars were named to the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL) All-Conference Team and 14 earned CSFL All-Academic honors.

At present, Caldwell's NCAA Division II sports competing in the CACC include men's and women's soccer, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track & field, women's volleyball, women's bowling, softball and baseball. Sprint Football competes in the Collegiate Sprint Football League and Acrobatics & Tumbling competes in the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association. Full information about Caldwell Athletics is available at www.caldwellathletics.com.

About Caldwell University 
Ranked consistently in the Top 100 Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, Caldwell University has been recognized as a leader in providing a transformative, outcomes-driven education to a diverse student body that is balanced between commuter and resident students. Located on a 70-acre residential campus in the heart of Caldwell, NJ, the University offers modern programs and advanced campus technology that demonstrate its continued dedication to remaining competitive in a modern, global economy.

Caldwell University Sprint Football Coaching History:
 

	Years	Record
Daryle Weiss	2017	1-6
Jim Kelly	2028-2023	14-20
Louie Matsakis	2024-2025	7-8