The Chesapeake Bayhawks announced Tuesday that Assistant Coach Brian Reese has been promoted as the team’s 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, 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.
In addition to his MLL coaching experience, Reese has coached in every level of lacrosse including youth, high school and college. He was an Assistant Coach for the University of Maryland’s women’s lacrosse team from 2009-2013. The Terps earned a spot in the NCAA semifinals in each of those years, won ACC Championships in those 5 seasons, and earned the NCAA Championship title in 2010. Reese also coached the Glenelg Country Girls Lacrosse team for the past two years, winning the IAAM “B” Conference Championship in 2015. Reese has been very active in the lacrosse community by running camps and coaching youth teams.
Reese grew up in Towson, Maryland where he attended St. Paul’s School. He currently resides in Glenelg, Maryland with his wife Cathy, who is Head Coach of the University of Maryland women’s lacrosse program. They have four children, Riley, Brody, Cayden and Braxton.
