Named the 2016 Division II Coach of the Year by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston, Tom Godek ’88, a former Owls’ captain and the team’s offensive coordinator for 13 seasons, was named as the sixth head football coach in the history of the Southern Connecticut State University program in April 2014. He is in his 11th season as head coach in the Fall of 2024.
In total, Godek brought 20 years of coaching experience to the position following a decorated playing career that culminated in a free agent signing with the New York Jets.
Southern Connecticut finished the 2017 season with five victories and tied for fourth in the NE10 standings. Seven Owls earned year-end honors from the NE10, while three were recognized by the ECAC. In addition, Ryne Griesenauer was named a candidate for both the NE10 Man of the Year and the NE10 Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor. He was also selected to the NE10 All-Academic Team along with Vasilios Grigorakos.
The Owls finished the 2016 season with six victories and finished in a tie for third in the NE10 Conference standings. Four Owls were recognized by the league at season's end for their play on the field. The team also continued to thrive academically with a record-number of selections to the NE10 Commissioner's Honor Roll, and was also heavily involved with an array of community engagement activities on campus.
The 2010 Division II/III Assistant Coach of the Year by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston, Godek took the Owls’ offensive attack to new heights during his tenure as offensive coordinator. A total of 73 players on the offensive side of the ball have been recognized with All-Northeast-10 honors since Godek joined the staff in 2001.
In addition, the Owls shattered numerous offensive marks along the way. Since his arrival, the club accumulated new season highs for total yards, rushing yards, passing yards, touchdowns scored and points scored, along with a new program record for total offense in one game.
As a student-athlete, Godek suited up for the Owls from 1984-87 and was a two-time All-New England selection. As a senior, he served as team captain and also took home All-ECAC honors.
Prior to joining the staff at his alma mater, Godek coached for seven seasons (1994-2000) at American International College as offensive line coach and assistant to the head coach.
While with the Yellow Jackets, Godek helped the club win four division titles en route to four consecutive Northeast-10 Conference Championship appearances. AIC claimed the conference title on two occasions.
He also coached two NE-10 Offensive Linemen of the Year, along with 1999 Harlon Hill Trophy runner-up Kavin Gaillaird.
Godek holds a bachelor’s degree in history from SCSU and later earned a master’s degree in education at AIC. He resides in Ludlow, Mass. with his wife Lisa, and his children, Emily and Stephen.
