COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Head coach John Tillman officially announced the hire of Bobby Benson to his staff as interim assistant coach. Benson will serve as the team's offensive coordinator, and brings a wealth of experience to College Park with nearly two decades as a Division I coach under his belt.

"I am incredibly excited to welcome Coach Benson and his family to the Maryland lacrosse family," said Tillman. "What Bobby brings in expertise, experience and knowledge of the game will be invaluable for our program. He has coached in big moments and with championship teams, and will have us prepared for any situation that comes our way. This was a fast moving process, and I'm thrilled that we were able to bring Coach Benson in before the start of our 2021 season."

Before joining the Terps, Benson spent 14 seasons as the offensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins. He led some of the game's most prolific offenses while serving as the program's offensive coordinator, helping Hopkins to 11 NCAA appearances, eight quarterfinal bids, three final fours, two national championship games, and a national title in 2007. Benson's extra man unit consistently ranked among the best in the country during his time with the Blue Jays, finishing in the top-10 nationally in eight seasons. Benson molded some of the nation's best offensive players while at JHU, coaching a total of 37 All-Americans during his tenure at Hopkins.

"I would like to thank Coach Tillman and everyone at the University of Maryland for the opportunity to be a part of the men's lacrosse program," said Benson. "It is special to be part of this program's rich tradition and work with their exceptional student-athletes. I'm excited to get to work and for the season ahead." 

Benson made an immediate impact on the Blue Jays during his first season in 2007, helping guide JHU to its second national championship in three years.  He mentored First Team All-American midfielder and Tewaaraton finalist Paul Rabil and three other All-Americans in midfielder Stephen Peyser (3rd Team) and attackmen Jake Byrne (HM) and Steven Boyle (HM).

The Blue Jays rode a steady, efficient offense to the 2008 national championship game as they finished 12th in the nation in scoring offense and eighth in extra-man offense. Three offensive players (Rabil-1st, Peyser-2nd, Kevin Huntley-3rd) earned All-America honors and Hopkins scored 10 or more goals 13 times, including eight times in the final nine games.

With a mix of veterans and young players, Benson revamped the way the Blue Jays play offense in 2014 and the results were immediate and obvious.  Hopkins averaged 12.1 goals per game, produced three All-Americans and was deadly in extra-man situations as the Blue Jays converted 30-of-55 (.545) chances.

The success of 2014 carried over to 2015 as Benson's offense averaged 13.0 goals per game and produced three All-Americans in Ryan Brown (2nd Team), Joel Tinney (3rd) and Wells Stanwick (HM).  Brown set a school record with 61 goals and Stanwick graduated as the second in JHU history in assists (124).

The 2017 Blue Jays led the nation and set a school record by converting on 60.5% of their extra-man chances (26-of-43) and four Blue Jay offensive players - Tinney (2nd), Shack Stanwick (HM), Kyle Marr (HM) and Crawley (HM) - earned All-America honors.

Including the addition of Tinney (1st Team), Shack Stanwick (HM), Kyle Marr (HM) and Cole Williams (HM) in 2018 and Joey Epstein (3rd Team) in 2019, Benson has coached a total of 37 All-Americans since returning to Hopkins in 2007.

Benson, a 2003 Johns Hopkins graduate, returned to JHU after coaching stints at nearby UMBC and Loyola.  He served as the offensive coordinator at UMBC in 2004 and 2005 and helped the Retrievers rank among the national leaders in extra-man offense.  He moved to Loyola in 2006 and the Greyhounds promptly led the nation in extra-man offense with 24 goals on 43 attempts (.558).

A three-time All-American during his career at Hopkins (2000-03), Benson finished his career at Homewood ranked sixth all-time in goals scored (124) and 14th in career points (167).  He is one of just two players in school history to lead the team in goals four straight years and helped the Blue Jays to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, three trips to the final four and one national runner-up finish (2003). 

Benson and his wife, Taylor, have two sons, Tucker and Griffin.

What they're saying:

Ryan Brown (PLL Atlas, Three-time All-American at Johns Hopkins 2013-16)

"Bobby Benson is one of the smartest coaches in all of lacrosse. I was thankful to play under him at Johns Hopkins for four years where he helped mold me into the player I am. I honestly can say I would not be where I am today without Coach Benson's coaching and development. I'm excited to watch what he does this spring at Maryland."

Wells Stanwick (Three-time All-American at Johns Hopkins 2012-15) 

"Coach Benson is not only one of the smartest minds in the game, but is also a great role model. His creativity and enthusiasm on and off the field are unmatched. This is a great hire by Maryland and I'm excited to see him coaching again."

Dave Cottle (Head coach, Chesapeake Bayhawks)

"Maryland is getting a good man who puts his players in position to be successful. Bobby is an outstanding EMO tactician and has a great understanding and knowledge of the Big Ten and its players."

Charlie Toomey (Head coach, Loyola University)

"Maryland lacrosse hit a home run in January.  Bobby's work ethic and attention to detail is second to none. I expect that he will make an immediate impact on the offensive end for them."