John Odierna Named Head Coach of Men’s Lacrosse

Odierna most recently served as defensive coordinator for men’s lacrosse at Syracuse University.

Following a comprehensive and competitive nationwide search, John Odierna has been selected as the head coach of the Fairfield University Men’s Lacrosse program. 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.”

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.

"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, New York, Odierna was a three-sport athlete (lacrosse, football, basketball) at Cold Spring Harbor High School. He earned a BA in management from Gettysburg in 2011 and an MS in management from Stevens Institute of Technology.

“My family and I are thrilled to join the Fairfield community,” Odierna said. “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.

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