Bryant men’s lacrosse coach Mike Pressler announces retirement

SMITHFIELD,R.I. (WLNE) – One of the most revered coaches in college lacrosse is calling it a career.

Bryant’s Mike Pressler is retiring as the Bulldogs head coach after 16 years.

“I spoke with coach Pressler this afternoon and am confirming his retirement as the head coach of our men’s lacrosse program for personal family reasons,” Director of Athletics Bill Smith said.

“We are so grateful for all that Coach Pressler did for our men’s lacrosse program, our student-athletes, this department and Bryant University over the last 16 years.”

In his 16 years in Smithfield, Pressler led Bryant to a 153-103 record, including six Northeast Conference titles and six trips to the NCAA tournament.

Under his watch, the Bulldogs had 103 all-conference selections and 13 major award winners.

“All the players, coaches and alum’s in our lives over that period of time have made me a better man, but at 62 years old and for personal and family reasons the time has come to officially announce my retirement from Bryant University and college coaching,” said Pressler.

“My loyalty to the Bulldogs over these 16 glorious years has been beyond reproach. This decision is best for the team and program moving forward,” the coach added.

During his 37 years as a head coach, Pressler amassed 382 career victories, the eighth most all-time.

Before his arrival in Smithfield, Pressler led the Duke Blue Devils for 16 seasons and Ohio Wesleyan for five.

He reached the national championship game with Duke in 2005, finishing as the national runner-up.

In announcing Pressler’s retirement, Smith announced that Casey Brodersen will be the interim coach and a national search will commence.

Brodersen has been on Pressler’s staff for the past 12 years.