Dave Cottle led Maryland to eight-consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including three Final Fours, the last of which came in 2006. (Terrapin Sports Photography)

University of Maryland men's lacrosse coach Dave Cottle stepped down May 24 after nine seasons leading the Terrapins.

Cottle led Maryland to eight consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including three Final Fours, the last of which came in 2006. Maryland won two ACC championships during his tenure in College Park but did not advance to the NCAA title game. Cottle leaves with an overall mark of 99-45 (.688). The 99 victories are the sixth most of any Division I men's lacrosse program during that time.

"I have decided to step down as head coach at the University of Maryland," said Cottle. "I would like to thank Dr. [university president C.D.] Mote and Dr. [director of athletics Deborah A.] Yow for the opportunity to coach at Maryland and in the Atlantic Coast Conference. I have enjoyed my nine years at Maryland. This season, I enjoyed coaching this team as much as any team I have ever been around. I have developed tremendous relationships with many Terp alumni, former coaches and have had some of the finest parents any lacrosse program has had.

"I would like to thank all of my former coaches and staff, especially Ryan Moran, Jon Stainbrook and Dave Slafkosky, who has been with me all nine years. We taught our players lacrosse but also the importance of being good students and people. I will always root for the Terps and the toughest part of my decision today is not being in the locker room and on the field with this group who I care so much about."

The Terrapins finished 12-4 this season and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament. Maryland was third in the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season with a 1-2 record this year and lost in the championship game of the conference tournament.

"Coach Cottle handled his duties as head coach with class and dignity," said Yow. "We are appreciative of that and wish him the best in whatever he pursues professionally. We are grateful for his efforts over the last nine years."

Prior to arriving at Maryland, Cottle spent 19 seasons as the head coach at Loyola. There he led the Greyhounds to 14 straight NCAA tournament appearances. He is 280-115 in 28 seasons as a head coach.

Cottle was the eighth coach in the history of Maryland lacrosse, taking over in September 2001 from Dick Edell, who retired after 18 seasons with the Terps.

A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately, chaired by senior associate athletics director Michael Lipitz. While there is no specific timeline for the search, the process will begin this week.

--University of Maryland Athletics press release

Posted May 24, 2010