NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Rochester head coach steps down after 11 seasons with team

Published on May 24, 2005 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


(Rochester, NY)... Rochester Knighthawks Head Coach Paul Day announced today that he will not be returning for his 12th season with the National Lacrosse League franchise. "It was a great 11 years in Rochester and it was a pleasure to be involved with the organization," said Day. "We have had unbelievable success, but it is time for a change. I think it will be good for the organization."

Day has been with the team since its inception in 1995. He was an assistant coach from 1995-97 and was behind the bench for Rochester's Major Indoor Lacrosse League title in ‘97. He has served as the team's head coach from 1998-2005. In addition, he added assistant general manager to his title in 2003.

One player that has been with Day since his first day with the franchise is defenseman Regy Thorpe. Thorpe expressed the team's regret that Day will not be behind the bench in 2006.

"We had a lot of good years together," said 11-year veteran Thorpe. "We are definitely disappointed to see him go."

In 2005, he guided Rochester to its fourth 10-plus win season in the last five years. The Knighthawks also made the playoffs for the 11th time in the team's 11-year history. Day also coached the Eastern Division NLL All-Star team to an 11-10 OT win at the league All-Star Game in Calgary on February 26th. The All-Star selection was the fourth such honor for the 36-year-old Day.

In 2003-04, he was named the NLL Les Bartley Coach of the Year after guiding his injury-riddled team to an 8-8 record and a berth in the NLL Playoffs. The Knighthawks made the postseason, despite losing 34 man-games to injury, which included season-ending injuries to John Grant, Marshall Abrams and Casey Zaph.

The Peterborough, Ontario, native has a career 75-39 record and is among the league's all-time leaders in wins. He also owns the distinction of being the longest tenured coach in the league. In eight seasons, he has guided Rochester to three appearances in the NLL Finals.

His moment memorable moment, however, was as an assistant coach in 1997. That year, the Knighthawks' beat the Buffalo Bandits, 15-12, to win the MILL Championship.

"In 1997 we won in front of a sold out arena," said Day about the win at Marine Midland Arena. "On that one day our guys were up to the challenge."

Despite his resignation, fans could see Day with another NLL team this season. His future could include a dual role as coach/general manager.

"I plan to stay involved with the league," he said. "I have sent my resume in to the league office and would like to coach again."

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