Michael Phipps leaves Navy men’s lacrosse to become offensive coordinator at Maryland
Michael Phipps has resigned as offensive coordinator for Navy men’s lacrosse to accept the same position at Maryland, Midshipmen coach Joe Amplo said on Tuesday.
“I’m happy for Michael that he got what he wanted,” Amplo said.
Phipps served one season as Navy offensive coordinator and it was impacted by injuries to key players. All-American Patrick Skalniak missed nine games with a back injury, while fellow midfielder Dan Swanson suffered a broken foot.
Navy, which went 8-8 last year, used 10 starting lineups in 16 games and relied on several young players on its way to averaging 10.25 goals per game. The extra-man offense produced just 10 goals all season.
“I appreciate all of what Michael did for Navy lacrosse and wish him the best of luck in the future,” Amplo said.
Neither Phipps nor Maryland coach John Tillman immediately returned a phone call seeking comment.
It was the second stint as an assistant at Navy for Phipps, who previously worked for coach Rick Sowell from 2015 to 2017. The Annapolis native left the program to become offensive coordinator at Georgetown under coach Kevin Warne.
Phipps steadily built the Hoyas’ offense into one of the most prolific in Division I. They consistently ranked top 10 nationally in several offensive categories and averaged more than 14 goals per game over their final four seasons under Phipps.
Along the way, Warne promoted Phipps to associate head coach in recognition of his contributions to the program’s success.
Phipps was a three-year starting attackman for Maryland during the tenure of coach Dave Cottle. The Severn School product amassed 95 career points and was named honorable mention All-American as a senior in 2007. He played professionally in Major League Lacrosse for three seasons with the Los Angeles Riptide and Chesapeake Bayhawks.
Phipps was the third generation of his family to serve as an assistant with Navy men’s lacrosse. Louis “Buster” Phipps, his grandfather, served on the staff of legendary coach Willis Bilderback from 1959 to 1972. Wilson Phipps, his father, was a volunteer assistant for Dick Szlasa then Bryan Matthews from 1982 to 1985.
Phipps also followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by playing lacrosse at Maryland.
The Terps lost their offensive coordinator when Jake Bernhardt accepted the head coaching position at Division III Colby College last month.
Meanwhile, Amplo is now tasked with hiring an offensive coordinator for the third straight year. Phipps had replaced Brad Ross, who left Navy to become the coach at Bryant.
“I’m very confident that Santa Claus will bring Navy lacrosse a new offensive coordinator very soon,” Amplo said.
Inside Lacrosse first reported the news.
This story might be updated.