The Rochester Knighthawks have signed assistant coach Paul Day to a three-year deal. Day, who joined head coach Mike Hasen’s staff in 2011, will enter his 18th season with the organization in 2016.
“I am very excited to get back at it next winter,” said Day. “It’s a great draft and we will improve a good team.”
The Knighthawks, who have the second overall pick in September’s Draft, made one of their biggest moves today by securing the services of Day. In 2015, the Knighthawks finished second in the East Division with a 12-6 record and advanced to the division finals for the fourth straight season.
“It’s really great news,” said Hasen. “He’s great in the room and he’s great with the guys. I am looking forward to the next couple of years for sure.”
Day has been an integral member of a team which has made the postseason the past five seasons, including a run of three straight championships from 2012-14. Over his latest tenure with the Knighthawks, Rochester has amassed a 51-33 record in the regular season and a 12-5 mark in the postseason. Day is a part of a staff that not only includes Hasen, but fellow assistant coaches Pat O’Toole, Jason Johnson and Andy Secore.
“He’s always fiery, he’s always intense, but at the same time he also has that level head,” said Hasen about Day. “I think the five of us as a group are really like-minded. We fit well together and complement each other very well.”
The players were also excited to have one of the most well-respected and seasoned coaches in the NLL back behind their bench.
“He’s passionate, demanding, and has an extremely high lacrosse IQ,” said Knighthawks defenseman Mike Kirk. “He’s the type of coach you want to battle for. It will be great to have the opportunity to learn more from him in the upcoming years.”
“Paul Day is a great coach. He’s always prepared, motivating. and finds the right guy for the right role,” said Knighthawks transition man Jordan Hall. “I don’t know if I’ve played for anyone who can balance making the right coaching move and bringing an emotional presence to the bench as well as Paul Day.”
Day, who oversees the offense, had the opportunity last season to work with an arsenal of players that included the likes of Cody Jamieson, Dan Dawson, Stephen Keogh, Cory Vitarelli, Joe Resetarits, Joe Walters, Craig Point, Joel Matthews and Hall. Under Day’s direction, Rochester had two of the top point producers in the NLL in Jamieson and Dawson, and boasted the third most efficient power play in the league.
“Paul is one of the best lacrosse minds in the world,” said Jamieson, who won the 2014 NLL MVP award. “His ability to adapt and read defenses inspires me. He is a very smart man who I respect tremendously.”
“Paul understands not only the game, but the players,” said Dawson. “He has a strong belief in structure without taking a player’s ability away from being creative. Paul is a great motivator and tactician.”
Day’s first stop in Rochester was in 1995 when he began his coaching career as a Knighthawks assistant coach. The Peterborough, Ontario native remained in that role until the team won the 1997 National Lacrosse League title. The following season, he was named the second head coach in franchise history.
In eight seasons (1998-2005), Day led Rochester to three appearances in the NLL Championship Game (1999, 2000 & 2003) and to eight postseason berths. During the 2003-04 season, he captured the Les Bartley as the NLL Coach of the Year Award. He completed his tenure as Knighthawks head coach with a 75-39 record, which still stands as the most victories in team history.
“My family and I love Rochester and we will be there to enjoy it,” he said. “This season is my 20th anniversary after starting my coaching career there.”
Day’s second stint behind the bench with the Knighthawks has been the most successful run of his career. He admitted after last season, he is anxious to get back to work to try to bring the Champion’s Cup back to Rochester.
“Each season is a new chance to get to the big show,” Day said. “I never thought I would see a team win three in a row, but we did it and it was fantastic. Now we will have a chance to chase the (Edmonton) Rush, which will be fun. We get a chance to work hard and start fresh in 2016.”
