Inside Lacrosse reports that Gary Gait will become the fifth head coach in the 106-year history of the Syracuse men's lacrosse program. John Desko, who has been at the helm of the Orange since 1999 and on staff since 1980, is expected to announce his retirement this week, according to the report.
Brent Axe of Syracuse.com confirmed the report.
A source has confirmed the @Inside_Lacrosse report that Gary Gait will replace John Desko as the 5th head lacrosse coach in @CuseMLAX history. A name to look out for as new defensive coordinator. Former Johns Hopkins head coach Dave Pietramala.
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) June 6, 2021
Syracuse went 7-6 this season and lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament, the latest in a string of disappointing postseason performances by Syracuse.
As the head coach of the women's lacrosse team, Gait has continually put Syracuse in the discussion as one of the top programs in the country. Since taking over in 2007, Gait has led the Orange to eight final fours. Gait took his team to the NCAA championship game this spring despite key injuries to Emily Hawryschuk and Megan Carney. Boston College ultimately won that game 16-10.
Gait, of course, is a legendary Syracuse alum who revolutionized the sport with his twin brother, Paul.
This is a developing story.