Matt Hagelgans enters his fifth season as the Offensive Backs Coach at East Stroudsburg University, where he oversees the development of the team’s tailbacks, fullbacks, and tight ends. In 2022, he added the role of Special Teams Coordinator, managing all aspects of the placekicking, punting, kickoff, and return units.
Under Hagelgans’ guidance, ESU has produced multiple All-PSAC East performers, including tailbacks Tyriq Lewis (First Team in 2024, Second Team in 2023), Tahir Mills (First Team in 2024), and Gunner Anglovich (First Team in 2021). He also coached All-PSAC East tight ends Beau Heyser (2024) and Jon Post (2023).
The Warriors returned to the NCAA Playoffs in 2023 for the first time since 2009, ranking third in the PSAC and 46th nationally in rushing offense. Lewis and Mills led the way on the ground, combining for 1,285 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging over 107 yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry.
In 2024, the duo again powered the offense to a second consecutive NCAA Playoff berth, combining for 1,742 yards and 17 touchdowns. That season, the ESU offense led the PSAC in rushing (200 YPG), total offense (419 YPG), and scoring (33 PPG).
In his first season coaching offensive backs in 2021, Hagelgans guided Anglovich to First Team All-PSAC East honors after he posted 962 rushing yards, 210 receiving yards, and 8 total touchdowns, totaling 1,196 all-purpose yards. In 2022, ESU relied on a running back committee, with four different players starting and three surpassing 100 yards in individual games.
Hagelgans has also elevated the Warriors' Special Teams units. ESU led the PSAC in Special Teams Efficiency in both 2022 and 2024, with multiple All-PSAC East selections including kicker Ty Quintois (First Team, 2024) and punter Adam Noll (Second Team, 2024).
In his debut season as Special Teams Coordinator in 2022, kicker Devin Bartholomew was named AFCA Second Team All-American and First Team All-PSAC East. He led the PSAC with 1.5 field goals per game (third nationally), went a perfect 28-for-28 on extra points, and tied a school record with five field goals in a game at Seton Hill, including a conference-best 50-yarder.
The kickoff return unit, also under Hagelgans' direction, ranked sixth nationally in average return. Justin Cook led both the PSAC and NCAA DII with a 35.0-yard average, setting a school record with a 100-yard touchdown return at Shippensburg. Cook finished his career as ESU’s all-time leader in kickoff return touchdowns (3) and was a two-time All-PSAC East Second Team return specialist.
Before joining ESU, Hagelgans spent a decade coaching defense in the Lehigh Valley. He served three seasons as the Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach at Liberty High School (Bethlehem, Pa.) and held prior roles at Catasauqua and Pleasant Valley High Schools.
A 2010 graduate of Clemson University, Hagelgans earned a B.S. in Secondary Education. While at Clemson, he developed a passion for coaching through his work in the university’s intramural sports program. Following graduation, he began his coaching career under longtime Stroudsburg head coach Fred Ross, his former high school coach.
Matt currently lives in Center Valley, Pa with his girlfriend Brittany, their 1-year-old son Francis and his 6-year-old son Brooks, who both can’t wait to be a Warriors one day
