SAN MARCOS, Texas -- The Texas State men’s lacrosse program has appointed a coaching staff for the 2021-2022 season.

The Bobcats have agreed to terms with Daniel Ryan, previously at UNC-Charlotte, to be the head coach. While with the 49ers, Ryan served as a defensive assistant and head coach, helping move the team from a 3-4 record in 2018 into the national spotlight in the SELC. UNC-Charlotte held a constant spot in the MCLA Top 25 for the 2019 season and was one win away from the SELC-II championship game.

“I’ll always be thankful for my time at UNCC and appreciative of that opportunity," said Ryan. "I’ll always consider them family. Life gave me some unexpected changes prior to the fall leading up to the 2020 season, and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get a chance to coach again.

"I see this situation moving forward with Texas State as a big blessing and an honor. We’ve got a great group of dedicated kids here. I’m looking forward to putting in work and bringing an LSA title back to San Marcos.”

Ryan knows a thing or two about the LSA, playing three years at LSU under Jeff Echols during its program turnaround. From there, he made a career move to Charlotte, giving him an opportunity to continue his playing career with the Charlotte Hounds in 2018.

Ryan hopes that his background, knowledge and his transition-focused mindset should give the offense plenty of opportunities to score.

“We’ve got plenty of athletes on this squad, but one thing that really gets me excited as a coach is when you’ve got players who are receptive to coaching," Ryan said. "I tell the boys that each practice we have we need to build off our last practice with intensity and hustle. They’ve responded to the challenge each time.”

Along with Ryan, the Bobcats have hired Brian Wilson as their offensive coordinator, Austin Byrd as an offensive assistant and Austin Thompson as their defensive coordinator.

Wilson grew up in the Denver area, playing attack in two state championships before heading to Stevenson University. Byrd is a local to the Austin area, playing midfield for Cedar Ridge H.S. before he transitioned into coaching at the youth level. Thompson is the only returning member of the staff from last year, continuing coaching after playing for Florida Tech as a defensive middie.