Syracuse men’s lacrosse elevates Drew Bezek to defensive coordinator
Syracuse elevated director of operations Drew Bezek to defensive coordinator after John Odierna left to become Fairfield’s head coach. Eli Schwartz | Asst. Photo Editor
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Syracuse men’s lacrosse has named Drew Bezek its defensive coordinator, the program announced Tuesday afternoon. Bezek was SU’s director of operations during the 2026 season and replaces John Odierna, who left to become Fairfield’s head coach on June 9.
In his first campaign on Gary Gait’s staff, Bezek primarily supported Odierna’s defensive efforts and helped Syracuse reach its second straight Final Four. Defenders Billy Dwan III and Riley Figueiras and goalie Jimmy McCool all earned All-American honors, and McCool led the Atlantic Coast Conference in saves.
Before joining the Orange, Bezek held four coaching roles at the Division III level. He served as Geneseo’s head coach from 2022-25, Oswego’s head coach from 2015-21, Hamilton’s assistant coach from 2012-14 and Vassar’s interim head coach in 2011.
In 2023 and 2024, Geneseo reached the NCAA Tournament under Bezek, and Hamilton made back-to-back appearances in the New England Small College Athletic Conference Tournament in 2012 and 2013.
Prior to his coaching tenure, Bezek starred at Syracuse’s crosstown rival, Le Moyne. The Dolphins reached four straight D-II NCAA Tournament Championship Games during Bezek’s career, including a 2007 national title. Bezek was a two-time national Defensive Player of the Year and three-time First Team All-American.
