The Terrapin men’s lacrosse team today announced John Tillman as their new head coach. But though the Terps’ search is over, their newly appointed coach must grapple with his own staff decisions.
While Tillman will have the option of retaining defensive coordinator Dave Slafkosky and assistant coach Ryan Moran, leftovers from former coach Dave Cottle’s staff, the former Harvard head coach may be bringing his own assistants, defensive specialist Kevin Warne and offensive specialist Bobby Cross, from his time at the helm with the Crimson.
Tillman said he plans to discuss the options with Warne and Cross first before making the trip down to College Park.
“Whatever is best for them I’m going to support,” Tillman said. “Obviously, I have a lot of loyalty to them and feel very strong feelings towards them, but I also feel like there are some great assistants down at Maryland.”
Still, during an interview today the coach at times seemed to consider him and his assistants a package deal, saying, “I feel like we have a good idea of what we need to be successful.”
That could spell trouble for Slafkosky and Moran.
But both also have strengths that could make them valuable additions to Tillman’s staff.
A mainstay in the College Park lacrosse community, Slafkosky has spent 27 seasons with the Terps, working under coach Dick Edell for 18 years and continuing through Cottle’s tenure, giving him comprehensive knowledge of the program – not to mention the fact that his son currently plays for the Terps.
Moran is familiar not only with the Terps but also with the new coach. The former All-American worked with Tillman as an assistant coach at Navy after graduating from Maryland in 2003 and then succeeded Tillman as the offensive coordinator when Tillman left for Harvard.
And here’s one final possibility to keep in mind: Warne, Cross, Slafkosky or Moran could be pursued to fill job openings at other schools, so no matter what Tillman might want, no plan is set in stone.
Kate Yanchulis is the Terrapin men’s lacrosse team beat writer for The Diamondback. She can be reached at kyanchulisdbk@gmail.com.