DENVER – The University of Denver men's lacrosse program has hired John Gallant as its new assistant coach and defensive coordinator, head coach Bill Tierney announced on Wednesday.
 
Gallant fills the void left by the departure of John Orsen, who took the top assistant position at Navy earlier this month. The newest Denver coach will join associate head coach Matt Brown and volunteer assistant Erik Adamson to complete Tierney's coaching staff in 2020.
 
"John checks all the boxes for what we were looking for in filling this all-important role on our staff," Tierney said. "First and foremost, he is a teacher. Coaching is teaching, and having the skill set to educate young people in the right way is now more important than ever. Secondly, we were looking for maturity and the ability to blend smoothly into our staff. John and his wonderful family, including his wife Jessie, are totally invested in our program. At every level, I've watched John get amazing results by being a hard worker and great communicator. He was a captain, has been a head coach and is a World Champion. He lives what he professes with a calm demeanor and a disciplined and caring approach, while possessing a willingness to do whatever it takes for our team to succeed."
 
Gallant was a science teacher and lacrosse coach at Rock Canyon High School before joining the Pioneers staff. In his three seasons in charge at Rock Canyon, the Jaguars went 12-4 in 2017, 12-4 in 2018 and 14-3 in 2019 (38-11 overall). The Jaguars reached the 5A CHSAA Quarterfinal in 2019.
 
"I am excited about the opportunity to work with this great coaching staff that I know very well, and contribute to the championship culture and traditions at the University of Denver," Gallant said. "This is an incredible opportunity for me and my family, and I can't wait to dive in. I would like to thank Andy Abner, Tom Brieske and the families at Rock Canyon for three wonderful years as a Jaguar."
 
The 2001 Lake Superior State graduate directed the Colorado Collegiate Box Lacrosse League player combine each of the last two years and served as a guest coach for multiple franchises. Prior to his time at Rock Canyon, Gallant was an assistant at Valor Christian, under former teammate and current Air Force assistant John Grant Jr. Gallant has also served as a Jr. Mammoth instructor.
 
Gallant was a two-time captain for the Colorado Mammoth, and wore the 'A' on his chest in two other campaigns during his 14-year National Lacrosse League career. A member of the Mammoth's All-Decade Team in 2012, Gallant moved with the franchise from Washington to Colorado in 2002, completing his career with a single franchise. In his career, the Mammoth defenseman played in 209 games, scored 14 goals and added 86 assists for 100 points. Gallant also picked up 953 loose balls and caused 54 turnovers.
 
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