The Chesapeake Bayhawks announced Tuesday that former Maryland men’s lacrosse player Brian Reese (1995-98) has been named head coach for the 2016 season.
A lacrosse veteran, Reese’s history with the Bayhawks began when he played four of his five Major League Lacrosse (MLL) seasons on the team, later serving as General Manager in their 2011 season. Since, Reese has served as Assistant Coach under former Head Coach Dave Cottle, who announced his retirement after last season. Cottle was also the head coach at Maryland for nine seasons from 2002-10.
Cottle, who has stayed on as the team’s President, stated, “We were very fortunate to have some outstanding candidates who made it a difficult decision. Brian’s coaching expertise and experience in the MLL were a critical differentiator.”
Bayhawks Owner, Brendan Kelly, cites Reese’s perspective of the team, both historically and looking forward, was a major deciding factor.
“We went through an in depth interview process with many qualified candidates, any of which would make outstanding MLL coaches,” said Kelly. “Through the process it became evident that Brian’s vision of the Bayhawks aligned with where we want to go in the future, making him the clear choice. We are glad to have him and think he exemplifies the qualities we are looking for. At the end of the day, we felt our best chances to win the Steinfeld Cup are with Brian Reese.”
Reese is well experienced in the lacrosse world, as a former player in the NLL from 1998-2005 and in the MLL from 2001-2005, where he was a four-time MLL All-Star. Reese was a defenseman for Maryland from 1995-1998, garnering All-American honors as a senior.
“I am honored to be named the Head Coach of the Bayhawks,” mentioned Reese. “This is an organization that is used to winning championships, and my goal is to get back to that level. Coach Cottle laid a great foundation and we will work towards putting together a team that will compete hard, play fast and be role models in the community. I appreciate the faith and trust Brendan Kelly and Coach Cottle have in me, and we will do everything in our power to bring the Steinfeld Cup back to Annapolis.”
In 2009, Reese was named MLL Coach of the Year from his work with the Denver Outlaws, who finished with the league’s best record (9-3) and earned an appearance in the MLL Title Game against the Toronto Nationals that year. Reese was the General Manager and Head Coach of the Denver Outlaws from 2005 through the 2010 season. The Outlaws qualified for the MLL post season in each of those years.
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