UVM Launches National Search for Next Head Coach Amid Community Gratitude

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The University of Vermont (UVM) men’s lacrosse program is entering a new chapter following the departure of head coach Mike Feifs, who led the team for the past eight seasons. In a statement released on June 4, 2026, UVM Athletics announced that Feifs had stepped down, triggering an immediate national search for his replacement. The move marks a significant transition for a program that has seen fluctuating success in recent years, including a 2025 NCAA Tournament appearance and a 2024 campaign that ended with a 7-10 record in conference play.

Feifs, who joined UVM in 2018 after a stint as an assistant coach at Cornell, oversaw a period of rebuilding before the program’s most competitive stretch. His departure leaves the Catamounts without a head coach for the first time since 2017, when current associate head coach Chris McLaughlin was hired as an assistant. The search process will now begin under the leadership of UVM’s Athletics Department, with an emphasis on finding a candidate who can sustain the program’s upward trajectory.

In a statement attributed to UVM Athletics Director Sarah Whitaker, gratitude was expressed toward Feifs for his contributions while acknowledging the need for new leadership. On behalf of the Athletic Department and the entire UVM community, we want to thank Coach Feifs for his dedication and the progress he’s made during his tenure, Whitaker said. We are now focused on identifying a coach who will elevate our program to the next level and provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to compete at the highest level.

Context: Feifs’ Legacy and UVM’s Recent Performance

Feifs’ tenure at UVM was defined by a mix of highs and lows. Under his guidance, the Catamounts made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history in 2025, defeating Colgate in the first round before falling to eventual national champion Duke in the second. However, the 2024 season saw a decline, with UVM finishing 7-10 in the America East Conference—a drop from the 9-8 record in 2023. The program’s offensive struggles, particularly in faceoffs and transition play, became a focal point for critics, while defensive improvements under Feifs’ later schemes drew praise.

Key players from Feifs’ era, including senior attackman Jake Reynolds (a two-time All-Conference performer) and midfielder Ethan Cole, have since graduated, leaving the roster in flux for the 2026 season. The departure of Feifs—combined with the graduation of several key contributors—creates an opportunity for a new coach to reshape the program’s culture and on-field identity.

What Comes Next: The Search Process

UVM’s search for Feifs’ successor will follow a structured timeline, with interviews expected to begin in late June or early July. The Athletics Department has not yet disclosed whether it will prioritize internal candidates, though current assistant coaches McLaughlin and Tom O’Brien (defensive coordinator) are likely candidates to be considered for the role. External names have not been leaked, but UVM’s proximity to the Northeast Conference and its historical ties to programs like Cornell and Syracuse could influence the pool of applicants.

According to America East Conference officials, UVM’s coaching vacancy will not immediately impact the 2026 schedule, as the team’s roster and staffing plans remain unchanged until a new hire is confirmed. The conference has also indicated that it will monitor the search process closely, given UVM’s role as a mid-tier competitor in the division.

Former UVM players and alumni have already begun weighing in on the search. We need someone who can bring energy and a clear vision, said Ryan Dawson, a 2022 graduate and current assistant coach at Boston College. Mike did a lot, but the program is at a crossroads. Whoever takes over has to be ready to hit the ground running.

Broader Implications for UVM Athletics

The coaching search at UVM comes at a time when the university’s athletic department is under scrutiny for its long-term financial sustainability. Lacrosse, while historically a niche sport at UVM, has seen increased investment in recent years, including upgrades to the Lacrosse Field at UVM facility. The hiring of a new head coach could signal broader stability for the department, which has faced budgetary challenges in other sports.

the search process will be watched closely by America East rivals such as Vermont, Hartford, and Albany, all of whom have made recent coaching changes of their own. UVM’s ability to attract a high-profile candidate could shift the competitive balance in the conference, particularly if the new coach brings a proven offensive or defensive system.

For now, the focus remains on identifying a successor who can build on Feifs’ foundation while addressing the program’s weaknesses. With the 2026 season looming, UVM’s Athletics Department has made it clear that the search will move quickly, aiming to announce a new head coach by late August or early September.

Updates on the search process, including interview timelines and candidate names, will be provided by UVM Athletics as they become available.