SUNY Brockport Athletics and the Golden Eagle football program have announced two coordinator changes, as Head Coach Jason Mangone has promoted Matt Arita to Defensive Coordinator and hired Brockport alumnus Matt Szymanski as Special Teams Coordinator.

Arita Promoted to Defensive Coordinator
Arita, a Brockport alumnus and former AP Division III All-American defensive back, has been a cornerstone of the Golden Eagle coaching staff over the past several seasons. He most recently served as Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Pass Game Coordinator, while also coaching the cornerbacks.

Under Arita's leadership, Brockport's special teams units have consistently ranked among the nation's best. The Golden Eagles ranked:

• 7th nationally in net punting in 2024
• 5th nationally in punt return average in 2023
• 2nd nationally in punt return touchdowns in 2023
• Multiple-time Empire 8 leaders in net punt and net kickoff
• Helped guide kicker Zach McGowan to 2025 Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Year honors

Arita also played an integral role in defensive success that saw Brockport earn top national rankings in total defense, pass defense, and interceptions across multiple seasons, including a No. 2 national ranking in total defense in 2022 and No. 3 in 2021.

In addition to his on-field impact, Arita has contributed heavily in recruiting across Sections 1, 8, 9, 11, and New York City, while assisting with strength and conditioning, video operations, and player development.

Arita becomes Defensive Coordinator after helping guide the program to multiple Empire 8 championships, NCAA playoff appearances, and national statistical prominence.

Szymanski Returns to Brockport as Special Teams Coordinator
A Brockport graduate and former Golden Eagle student-athlete, Szymanski returns to his alma mater after serving as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at Randolph-Macon College.

During his tenure at Randolph-Macon, Szymanski helped coordinate one of the top defenses in Division III football. In 2025, the team ranked:

• 2nd nationally in turnovers gained (31)
• 2nd in interception return touchdowns (5)
• 9th in rushing defense (67.3 yards per game)
• 16th in scoring defense (14.55 points per game)

He also coordinated kickoff and punt units while managing defensive play calling and weekly opponent breakdowns.

Szymanski previously served as a Graduate Assistant and Linebackers Coach at Brockport from 2021-22, where he coached All-Conference linebackers and assisted with defensive game planning. With Arita stepping into the Defensive Coordinator role and Szymanski returning home to lead special teams, Brockport Football continues to position itself for sustained success within the Empire 8 and on the national stage.

After hosting Geneva (Pa.) in an ECAC Bowl Game, the Golden Eagles closed the 2025 season with a 7–4 overall record and a 4–3 mark in Empire 8 play. Brockport earned a postseason berth for the ninth consecutive season and captured an ECAC Bowl victory for the second straight year, further underscoring the program's sustained success.