Stanford University announced on Apr. 16 the return of Matt Elkin as assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. Elkin rejoins head coach Kyle Smith’s staff after spending one season as an assistant coach at Columbia.
Elkin’s appointment is significant for the program, bringing back a familiar face who previously served as Stanford’s assistant recruiting coordinator in the 2024-25 season. His experience in recruitment and player development is expected to support the team’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its roster and performance.
Smith said, “Matt returns to the Farm after a successful run at Columbia. Matt was instrumental to in laying down the foundation in our first season. He is tremendously organized in recruiting which enabled us the ability to land our 2026 recruiting class.”
During his time at Columbia, Elkin contributed to a 16-12 record for the Lions—their best since 2016—and played a role in developing Ivy League Rookie of the Year Connor Igoe and All-Ivy second team honoree Kenny Noland. Reflecting on his new position, Elkin said, “I am so grateful to Coach Smith for welcoming me back in my new role, as coaching at Stanford has always been my dream job. There is no better institution in the world combining high major athletic success with world renowned academic preeminence. It is an honor to represent this incredible university and to continue our vision for excellence with Stanford basketball.”
Elkin previously coordinated all aspects of recruiting during his earlier stint at Stanford and helped develop All-ACC first team honoree Maxime Raynaud while contributing to a seventh-place finish in their inaugural ACC season and their first National Invitation Tournament appearance since 2018.
Smith added that Elkin “gained valuable experience on the road recruiting and on court coaching at Columbia,” emphasizing his positive impact both on recruitment efforts and team culture: “He will bring energy and enthusiasm to the program every day.”
Elkin also brings experience from Yale, where he was director of basketball operations during three Ivy League championship seasons (2022–2024) and two NCAA Tournament appearances (2022, 2024). Additionally, he served as an assistant coach with Team USA’s under-18 squad that won gold at the World Maccabiah Games in 2022.
Earlier roles include positions at Windward School—where he coached teams achieving state tournament success—and Vermont Academy, where he worked with future Division I athletes including McDonald’s All-American Simi Shittu and NBA draftee Jordan Nwora.
Looking ahead, Elkin’s diverse background across collegiate programs is expected by staff members like Smith to enhance both recruitment outcomes and daily operations within Stanford men’s basketball.
