Former SU defender Billy Dwan III joins John Odierna’s staff at Fairfield
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Former Syracuse men’s lacrosse defender Billy Dwan III has joined former SU defensive coordinator John Odierna’s coaching staff at Fairfield, the school announced Wednesday.
“I am thrilled to welcome Billy Dwan to our coaching staff,” Odierna — who took Fairfield’s head coaching job in June — said in a press release. “Billy is an emerging star in our profession whose leadership, championship pedigree and experience competing at the highest level make him an excellent fit for our program.”
Dwan was part of the acclaimed 2022 recruiting class for the Orange and finished his four-year college career with 58 caused turnovers, 110 ground balls and 19 goals — the most by a defender in program history — in 71 games. He also compiled two Inside Lacrosse All-American selections and was part of two Final Four appearances with Syracuse.
He was then drafted by the Premier Lacrosse League’s Maryland Whipsnakes with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 Draft. In five games with the Whipsnakes so far, Dwan has eight ground balls and two caused turnovers.
While joining Odierna’s staff, Dwan will continue his professional career. His role with the Stags hasn’t been announced yet, though Fairfield has already named a defensive coordinator in former UMass Lowell assistant Connor Samuelson.
Dwan played under Odierna for three seasons after Odierna was hired from Manhattan to be the Orange’s defensive coordinator before the 2024 season. Now, he’ll work alongside him.
“In our time together, Billy has shown that he is a winner in every sense of the word,” Odierna said in the press release. “His ability to build relationships and inspire those around him will have an immediate impact on our student-athletes. Billy has an incredibly bright future as a coach, and we’re excited to have him join our program.”
