Sul Ross State University Athletics has announced the hiring of Jon Evan as the new head men's soccer coach.

"I would like to thank the administration at Sul Ross, from President Gallego, on down to all the members of the search committee for putting their faith in me to lead the men's soccer program", said Evan. "In particular, I would like to thank Wyatt Olson, Billy Ray Laxton and Amanda Workman for their class and professionalism in the hiring process.  From the start, their approach was professional, but what really stood out was their welcoming demeanor, which has made my family feel like we are already a part of the Sul Ross community. I am very excited to be joining the Sul Ross athletic family and my family and I look forward to contributing in every way we can, and naturally, I would like to thank my family, my wife Vanessa and our children, who are always there to support me."

"I want to say thanks also to Coach Butch Lauffer, a West Texas legend for his support of my candidacy," said Evan. "Also Midwestern State Athletic Director Kyle Williams and the proud Midwestern State athletic family, as well as the great legacy of Southern Connecticut coaches and players who are a constant source of support, and who have provided me with a solid foundation in the game."

Evan takes over for Marquis Muse, who accepted the position of head men's soccer coach at McMurry in April.

"I am happy for Coach Muse, a trusted friend and colleague on moving on to a situation that is best for him and his family. I am grateful to him for putting a good word in for me, but most importantly for really building a solid foundation for the next coach to come into and build on with the men's program."

Evan inherits a men's team in just its fourth season as a program. He now looks to build off the Spring 2021 club that made the conference tournament for the first time in history.

"I am excited to get to work with the outstanding young men in the program," said Evan. "I know we have some talented, and motivated young men, going into next year and that is a great recipe for success. It will be our aim to continue to progress the program and we will do this by doing everything related to the student-athlete experience in a first class manner. It will be a process, but we will build the foundation by setting a standard of excellence for ourselves personally, academically, and athletically. Our team will look to engage in the community, earn honors in the classroom, and compete for championships on the field. I have learned all that Sul Ross State University stands for and the best way we can honor that tradition is to set high standards for ourselves."

Evan served as head coach of the men's soccer program at Eastern Oklahoma State College since spring of 2017. He also served as the assistant coach for the women's soccer program.

In 2019, he led Eastern to a .500 season, two years removed from a three-win campaign, while continuing to play one of the toughest schedules in the country.  With two full recruiting classes on campus, the Mountaineers were competitive in every game and made their mark in Region II. Eastern finished the conference season strong with victories over the teams ahead of them in the standings. This included newcomer UA- Rich Mountain and nationally ranked Murray State to qualify for postseason play on the final day of the season. 2019's squad, led by sophomore captains Alpha Diallo and Leonardo Schulz earned Eastern's first victory over defending conference champion Rose State, a last second victory on the road at Rose. Evan coached a pair Region II All-Conference Team. Notably, off the field, Evan's student-athletes were strong in the classroom, as 17 of the 21 players on the roster maintained a GPA above a 3.0. Seven players earned distinction as NJCAA Academic All-American with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

In his second season in 2018, the Mountaineers built on a strong first campaign under Evan. He brought in his first full recruiting class and some significant achievements for the young Eastern program. The Mountaineers qualified as the 3^rd seed, in a much improved Region II before bowing out in the Region II semifinals. Eastern knocked off #1 ranked Richland in a thrilling 2-1 game at Richland to spark their late season run to the Region II semifinals. Two were named to the All-Conference Team and the Mountaineer men once again earned high marks in the classroom with a team GPA above 3.2. Multiple team members were also recognized for academic excellence on the NJCAA Academic All-America list.

In his first season at Eastern, Evan led the Mountaineers to a Region II semifinal appearance, placing two players on the Region II All-Conference Team and one on the All-Tournament Team. Off the field, the Mountaineers thrived under Evan with a team GPA above a 3.0, including two first team NJCAA Academic All-America selections.

Prior to EOSC, Evan spent a year as the associate head coach at Jackson State University. In 2016-17, he also served as a staff coach for MS Soccer ODP and the state education staff.

In the spring of 2016 he led his U19 boys' team to the USYF National Championship.  

Evan moved to Jackson State following a short stint with Oakland City in the spring of 2016 after spending the 2015 season as the assistant men's and women's coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College. He also served as a staff coach for TN Soccer ODP and the KY Soccer Education Staff.

Prior to KWC, he was the head men's soccer coach at Brescia University. He arrived at Brescia after spending 2013 with the TN Olympic Development program and coaching club soccer in Clarksville, TN in addition to his duties as director of coaching for National Soccer Club. Program highlights in Evan's season with the squad include guiding the Bearcats to their first win over an NCAA DII program, a 3-2 overtime thriller vs Oakland City.  In addition, Evan's squad reached the (KIAC) conference tournament and placed two players on the (KIAC) All-Conference Team. The 2014 squad also saw a dramatic improvement in the classroom as Evan led the team to the best GPA for a men's athletic team in the department, achieving a team standard above a 3.0 as a program.

In the spring of 2012, Evan was named the coaching director for NSC and guided the U-18 boys to an undefeated season.

Prior to his experience in Tennessee, Evan was the head men's soccer coach at UMaine Farmington. In his first season in charge, Evan guided UMF to their best regular season finish since becoming a D3 member of the NAC. Under Evan's leadership in 2011, UMF achieved its highest regular season win total as a D3 program. They amassed nine regular season wins and compiled a 6-3 conference record, earning the beavers a third place finish. It was also a program best since joining D3. The 2011 campaign also saw UMF host a first round NAC tournament game, a 1-0 defeat of New England College. Other season highlights included a 3-0 defeat of conference rival, defending NAC tournament champs and NCAA tournament participant Thomas College. This win came on the last day of the regular season to secure third seed in the NAC tournament. The 2011 team accomplished these feats as the least carded team in the league and earned distinction for fair play. His 2011 team also saw midfielder Luiz Riztow honored as NAC rookie of the year.

In the summer of 2011, Evan worked with MPS Portland Phoenix of the Premier Development League and trained goalkeeper Matt Williams, a Maine native and University of Cincinnati standout.

In the fall of 2010, Evan was an assistant coach with Rollins College national runner-up team. Evan also served as assistant coach and goalkeeper trainer for the Laredo Heat of the PDL, and continues to work as goalkeeper/personal trainer for Ryan "Godda" Thompson of Jamaican national team fame.

Prior to arriving in Laredo, Evan spent two seasons at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX. After arriving at MSU in the spring of 2008, Evan tutored two elite goalkeepers during his tenure at MSU. In his inaugural season in 2008, the Mustangs won a Lone Star Conference Championship and achieved a #1 national ranking in the final NSCAA regular season poll, as well as an NCAA Regional Championship behind the efforts of first-team All-Lone Star Conference goalkeeper Sean Carr.

In his second season at MSU, Evan was instrumental in the recruitment of standouts VcMor Eligwe, Paulo Texeira, and Raul Herrera. The three standouts played key roles in a run to the Final Four in 2010. Eligwe lead the team in goals and points, while Texeira led the midfield and was recognized on the NSCAA Regional Team. In 2009 Herrera garnered first-team All-American honors after leading NCAA Division II in goals against average (.304) and shutouts (11). 
 
Prior to his stint at Midwestern State, Evan gained a wealth of experience at various stops in the soccer coaching world.

Immediately before arriving at MSU, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach and goalkeeper trainer under head coach Josh Dunn at Florida's Fernandina Beach High School. He helped lead FBHS to a state runner-up finish in 2007.

He spent the 2006 season as an assistant coach at Boston University while serving concurrently in the same capacity at Babson College. His BU goalkeepers finished with a school record 0.58 goals against average that season, leading the Terriers to a 10-4-5 record. His Babson keepers finished with an impressive 0.64 goals against average with 13 shutouts.

Evan served as an assistant coach at Jacksonville University from 2003-05. The Dolphins made a vast improvement on the playing field during Evan's tenure, improving from three wins in 2002 to earning a spot in the Atlantic Sun Tournament title match in 2005. Evan played a key role in the recruitment of Jamaican national team member Akeem Priestley to Jacksonville. Priestley earned Atlantic Sun Offensive Player of the Year honors at JU before transferring to the University of Connecticut, where he was a two-time All-Big East selection. Priestley was a top-50 pick of the Kansas City Wizards in the 2009 MLS draft. 

During his tenure at Jacksonville, Evan simultaneously served as coaching director/goalkeeping director of the North Florida United Club.

Before jumping to the college level, he served as head coach at First Coast High School from 2001-03.

Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Evan played professionally in the USL for the Jacksonville Cyclones and Cocoa Expos. At the collegiate level, he was a goalkeeper on two NCAA Division II Final Four teams at Southern Connecticut State under the guidance of the venerable Ray Reid.

Evan has earned a bachelor's in exercise science from Jacksonville University and a master's in Kinesiology from Midwestern State University. He is a nationally certified personal trainer/ nutrition counselor and also holds coaching licenses with both the NSCAA and USSF.

A native of New England, Evan splits his time between Jacksonville, FL and Wilburton with his wife and two children.