clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Virginia hires Lars Tiffany as new men's lacrosse coach

By Wahoowa703
Rob Carr/Getty Images

After a search process that lasted four weeks and included rampant speculation and waiting, Virginia has named Brown's Lars Tiffany as the new men's lacrosse coach in Charlottesville.

In a news release, Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage called Tiffany "one of the country’s more innovative coaches," adding, "his program is based on the development of young men as student-athletes and pushing them to excel in the classroom, in the community, and in competition. This foundation, combined with an aggressive and attacking style of play at both ends of the field, has proven to be successful over the course of his coaching career.

"His vision for our program to annually compete for championships and achieve high academic performance are in alignment with our goals of Uncompromised Excellence."

Tiffany, a 1990 graduate of Brown, won 95 games in 10 years with the Bears. Behind the 62-goal, 92-point effort of sophomore attacker Dylan Malloy, Brown made their first Final Four in 22 years last month before falling to Maryland in overtime in the semifinal round.

Tiffany's teams are known for playing an up-tempo brand of lacrosse, evidenced by the Bears averaging over 16 goals per game in 2016. That will certainly be welcome news to Wahoo fans who have seen the Cavaliers' offense grow stagnant in recent years. Brown made just three NCAA tournament appearances under Tiffany - 2009, 2015, and 2016.

"Stepping into the seat as the head coach of the Virginia’s Men’s Lacrosse program brings both a tremendous exhilaration and responsibility," Tiffany said in a statement. "It is also clearly understood that the coaches and athletes of Virginia Lacrosse that have come before me have established a very high bar for measuring success in Charlottesville.  My staff and I are eager to begin working with the men as we establish the principles and guidelines of our aggressive, fast-paced system of play that relies upon uncompromising fitness, competitive fire and a passion, and joy, for the game of lacrosse."

Tiffany was a defenseman under former UVa coach Dom Starsia when the latter coached at Brown.

It's unclear at this time if Tiffany will bring his highly-regarded staff with him to Virginia from Providence. That staff includes former UVa goalie Kip Turner and offensive coordinator Sean Kirwan.

More From Streaking The Lawn