Boston Cannons Name Steve Duffy as New Head Coach
November 30, 2011 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Boston Cannons News Release
BOSTON, MA - The Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, today named Steve Duffy as the new head coach. After serving as a Cannons assistant coach for three seasons, Duffy will be the fourth head coach in the franchise's 11-year history.
"I am thrilled to lead the Cannons on the field as the next head coach of the team," said Duffy. "We have our work cut out for us, defending the title as the league expands and the competition gets tougher. I know what it takes to win the Steinfeld Trophy, and winning back to back championships is the goal for 2012."
Duffy is the third consecutive head coach promoted from an assistant coach position, following Scott Hiller (assistant 2001; head coach 2002-05) and Bill Daye (assistant 2005; head coach 2006-11). As the Cannons defensive assistant coach, Duffy was responsible for game day substitutions, man-down play calling and practice planning.
"We are proud to have built a family of coaches who grow into leaders for our team," said Cannons Founding Owner Matt Dwyer. "Coach Duffy has been an integral part of our success over the past three seasons and we are excited to have him take over as head coach."
General Manager Kevin Barney added, "Although we appreciate the interest of many other candidates, Steve's knowledge of our players and the other MLL teams, as well as his tremendous dedication to the Cannons organization, made him the strongest candidate from the beginning. His experience with the Cannons will provide a seamless transition as we prepare for 2012."
A Waltham, MA native, Duffy coached at Waltham High School for 18 years, first winning recognition with both the Boston Globe and Eastern Massachusetts Lacrosse Coaches Association Coach of the Year Awards in 1999. He earned Metro West Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2005 when he led his team to the state semifinals and finals, respectively. For these accolades and long dedication to the program, Duffy was recently inducted into the Waltham High School Hall of Fame. While at the helm of the varsity team, Duffy also founded the Waltham Youth Lacrosse Program in 1994 to further foster the sport's development in his hometown. He remains a board member for the Patriot Youth Lacrosse League.
Since Duffy joined the Cannons coaching staff in 2009, they have earned a post season berth in each of the last three seasons. He helped coach the Cannons to consecutive MLL-best regular seasons in 2010 and 2011, and was on the sideline for the Cannons' first MLL Championship victory last season.
"Coach Duffy's stature in the local lacrosse community will be invaluable as we continue to build the Cannons brand throughout the region," continued Barney. "Along with his coaching duties and community appearances, he will be taking over as Director of Cannons Camp, our series of educational summer programs held in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut."
Jim Murphy will remain on staff as an assistant coach, a position he's held since the 2003 season. Up first for Duffy as head coach are the upcoming drafts: The Expansion Draft on December 7, the Supplemental Draft on December 14 and the Collegiate Draft on January 13. The team will hold an open tryout, presented by CroART Lacrosse and CATZ Performance Center, next March. The 2012 season will begin on Saturday, April 28.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from November 30, 2011
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- Boston Cannons Name Steve Duffy as New Head Coach - Boston Cannons
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