Photo courtesy of David Silverman.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – John Tillman has resigned as the
Frisbie Family Head Coach for Harvard Men's Lacrosse to
accept the head coaching position at Maryland, it was announced
Wednesday afternoon.
“I would like to thank Bob Scalise for giving me the
opportunity to coach at Harvard," Tillman said. "I am fortunate to
have been able to spend the last three years being part of the
Harvard community and lacrosse family. I enjoyed working with the
student-athletes here and will look back fondly on my time in
Cambridge as a period of growth as a person and coach. I would also
like to thank the players, alumni, administration and families for
their dedication and support."
"Harvard is a truly special place, but the people make the
difference here. I will always treasure the relationships I made
here. Although we did not achieve all of our goals on the
lacrosse field, we have laid a solid foundation for the
future. The program is ready for huge success in the coming
years due the talent, character and work ethic of the young men in
the program and the support that exists here. ”
Tillman, who guided Harvard to a 20-19 overall record in three
seasons, helped guide the Crimson to several marquee victories,
including a win at Duke in 2009. In addition, Tillman
coached Harvard to an 8-5 overall mark and 3-3 Ivy League
record in 2009, marking the most wins for team since the 2002
season. Under Tillman's tutelage, the Crimson climbed
to as high as No. 11 in the national polls in each of the last two
seasons and welcomed the nation's third-ranked recruiting
class last fall.
“We thank coach Tillman for the wonderful job he did
developing our players and our program and leaving us in position
for continued success.,” said Bob Scalise, Nichols Family
Director of Athletics. “The effect of coach Tillman's
time in Cambridge will be long-lasting and we will always consider
him a true friend of Harvard men's lacrosse. We will
find a replacement to build from the momentum created by coach
Tillman's tenure.”
Harvard has reached the NCAA tournament five times, most
recently in 2006, and has won three Ivy League titles in program
history. The Crimson will return 35 players next season,
including two All-Ivy League selections.
A national search for a successor is already underway.
