John Odierna Named Head Coach of Fairfield University Men’s Lacrosse
Ben Kane
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Following a comprehensive and competitive nationwide search, John Odierna has been selected as the Head Coach of Fairfield Men's Lacrosse. Most recently the Defensive Coordinator at Syracuse, Odierna comes to Fairfield on the heels of back-to-back Final Four appearances with the Orange.
"We are thrilled to welcome John Odierna as the head coach of Fairfield University Men's Lacrosse. Coach Odierna's aspirational vision for the future of our program is compelling and resonated with the search committee throughout our in-depth process," said Vice President for Athletics
Paul Schlickmann. "His abiding belief in the game as a vehicle to provide a best-in-class experience for our Stags student-athletes aligns with our commitment to their holistic development as a means to achieve competitive excellence. John owns a demonstrated track record of success, an ability to impact program and player development, and a contagious enthusiasm that will inspire our student-athletes, our alumni, and our community. It is with great excitement that we welcome John and his wife Marisa to the Fairfield family. Great days are ahead for Stags Men's Lacrosse."
In Odierna's three seasons at Syracuse, the Orange posted a 38-18 overall record. Working alongside Head Coach Gary Gait, Odierna helped lead Syracuse to the NCAA Quarterfinals in 2024 followed by NCAA Final Four trips in 2025 and 2026. The Orange also won the 2025 ACC Tournament Championship. This spring, Odierna mentored defensemen Billy Dwan III and Riley Figueiras to USILA All-America laurels.
Prior to his time at Syracuse, Odierna gained head coaching experience at Manhattan University (then Manhattan College). In his lone season at the helm in 2023, he guided the Jaspers to the MAAC Regular Season Championship with a 10-5 overall mark and a 7-2 tally in the MAAC. For his efforts, Odierna was named the 2023 MAAC Coach of the Year.
His head coaching stint was the final season of an eight-year run at Manhattan. As Defensive Coordinator, he assembled and developed a unit that ranked in the top five nationally in man-down defense three times and led the nation in scoring defense in 2023 with 8.00 goals allowed per game – the lowest scoring average in Division I in the five seasons since the shot clock was introduced.
Manhattan won the MAAC Regular Season Championship in 2021 and claimed the MAAC Tournament Championship in 2022 to reach the NCAA postseason for the first time in two decades.
"I am honored to be named the next Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Fairfield University. I would like to express my gratitude to President Nemec,
Paul Schlickmann, and everyone involved in the search for their trust and confidence in me," said Odierna. "Throughout this process, it became clear that Fairfield is a special place with outstanding leadership, a strong vision for the future, and a commitment to excellence."
Odierna began his coaching career in the Division III ranks with stints at Colby College and Stevens Institute of Technology.
As a student-athlete Odierna was a defenseman for four seasons at Gettysburg College, where he earned a USILA All-America Honorable Mention and USILA Scholar All-American recognition as a senior team captain in 2011. The Bullets reached the NCAA Tournament in all four of his seasons at Gettysburg, including a Division III Final Four appearance in 2008 and a trip to the Division III Championship Game in 2009.
"We are most pleased to welcome John Odierna as the next leader of our men's lacrosse program," said Fairfield President Mark R. Nemec, PhD. "Coach Odierna embodies leadership, integrity, and vision that align with our university's commitment to form student-athletes as educated men and women of purpose dedicated to the greater good while achieving competitive success. We are honored to welcome him into the Fairfield community. "
Hailing from Oyster Bay, N.Y., Odierna was a three-sport athlete (lacrosse, football, basketball) at Cold Spring Harbor High School. He earned a B.A. in Management from Gettysburg in 2011 and owns an M.S. in Management from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Odierna has been married to his wife, Marisa, since 2018.
"My family and I are thrilled to join the Fairfield community," Odierna added. "I look forward to developing exceptional young men, pursuing championships, and making the Fairfield alumni and supporters proud. I can't wait to get started. Go Stags!"
Odierna is the fifth head coach in the NCAA Division I varsity history of Fairfield Men's Lacrosse, which dates back to the 1993 season. The program was established at the club level in the fall of 1971.
What They're Saying
Gary Gait, Syracuse Head Coach
"Fairfield got a great one. Coach Odierna is an even better person than coach. He's loved by his players and is invested in student-athlete success. He's one of the best defensive minds in the country and I know he'll do great things at Fairfield."
Peter Milliman, Johns Hopkins Head Coach
"John is an excellent coach who has found success at every stop of his career. He is a tireless recruiter and a passionate educator with a real hunger to continue learning more about the game. Fairfield Lacrosse is getting a great coach to lead their program."
Drew Kelleher, Vermont Head Coach and Former Manhattan Head Coach
"John Odierna is a rising star in the lacrosse world. The Fairfield community is gaining a coach who has a dynamic personality and cares a ton for his student-athletes. He will do great things for the Stags!"
Paul Carcaterra, ESPN
"John Odierna is a fantastic lacrosse coach; he has the ability to teach the game and make it very digestible for his players. He also has a unique skill for identifying and developing talent. More importantly, he coaches with passion, energy, and heart that is contagious around his players and program. John is a great person who people want to be around because of his infectious personality. He is a star in the profession and will elevate the Fairfield program to new heights!"