Utah's head coach, Brian Holman, stepped down from his position very recently. He left with honor, being the coach to take their lacrosse program to the next level. When he started with the team, they were only a club sport. For two years, he fostered the program and now they are at the Division I level.
Holman is proud of his accomplishments, coaching the team with his son by his side for so many years. For 21 before coaching Utah, he was an assistant coach for North Carolina and John Hopkins.
This year, they will start in their first year as part of the ASUN conference. They have a better opportunity at playing in the NCAA championship tournament as well, a large step up from where the program began.
Their past is great, but what is next for this rising talent? Utah's director of athletics is already on the search for a new coach. With the surprising timing of Holman's retirement, the staff was surprised.
They've conducted a nationwide project to find the right fit for their team. With only weeks left until practices are set to begin, fans were beginning to wonder when they'd have a solid replacement.
There have been some names leaked in reference for who is being interviewed.
First there is Sean Kirwan, the assistant coach for Virginia. It is his 5th season with the team and he was there during the season they took their NCAA championship. Secondly, Ryan Wellner, the Notre Dame assistant coach. He's on his 8th season with the school and is regarded as one of the best defensive coaches in the league.
Then, Bobby Benson who is the assistant coach of Maryland. Although in his first year at Maryland, he had been a Division I coach for almost 20 years before and had a great deal of experience in the field. John Galloway is another option, he is the Jacksonville head coach. Going on his 6th season with Jacksonville, he was able to transform his own team. He brought nationwide recognition to the team and continues to try and build it.
Finally, Jason Lamb is a good contender. He is likely the best contender as he has ties to the Utah community. He is the Southern Virginia coach with much esteem. He is well-decorated, being inducted into the MCLA Hall of Fame. He's brought his team to the NCAA championship twice in his time there.
While other names have been brought up, Will Manny and Jon Thompson among them, nothing has been set in stone. As the season grows nearer all Utah lacrosse enjoyers eagerly await the announcement of who will be their new coach.
With an overall record of 12-20, Utah is going into this season with high hopes. They are expecting an overwhelming amount of support coming up, even with the coaching changes. Not only that, but coaches will likely be jumping at the opportunity to come and coach for a team as well known and professional as Utah's.
It will be exciting to watch where this team is headed for it's next season so be sure to keep an eye out.
