Mule Steps Down as Lizard's Head Coach, Hilpert Issues Statement
The Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced late last week that Jimmy Mule has stepped down from his position as head coach to spend more time with family, according to Lizards General Manager Casey Hilpert.
“Jimmy was looking for the opportunity to spend time with family during the summer months. He has three young children who he also coaches in lacrosse. He always gives us so much throughout the season and during the off-season and he’s looking forward to spending some of that time with his family,” said Hilpert.
“It was an extremely difficult decision to make after investing seven seasons with the Lizards, but it was the right choice to make for my family,” said former Lizards Head Coach Jimmy Mule. “I hope to return to the organization in some capacity down the road. I wish the team the best of luck in the upcoming MLL seasons.”
Mule coached the Lizards from 2005 to 2011, leading them to the post-season in 2005, 2009 and 2010. The Long Island native posted an overall season record of 37-47 and a playoff record of 2-3. In 2011 the Lizards were 5-7 and finished fifth in the league. Mule was named the MLL Coach of the Year in 2010.
Prior to coaching for the Lizards, Mule coached for the Bridgeport Barrage from 2003 to 2004 where he helped lead the ’04 Barrage team to the MLL Championships and to win the Steinfeld Trophy. Mule was also a goaltender in the league before his years as a coach. He was drafted in the second round (12th overall) of the 2001 MLL Draft and was the starting goalie for the Barrage in 2001 and 2002.
The Lizards will immediately conduct a national search for the next head coach of the Long Island organization. Hilpert says the next candidate will have big shoes to fill in the wake of Mule’s departure.
“Jimmy has been a valuable part of this organization since he took over in 2005. He’ll be a tough guy to replace as he had a great relationship with the players and was an unbelievable scout of talent within the collegiate level and Major League Lacrosse.”
Though the Lizards have not named anyone of interest, they will be seeking candidates with MLL experience to fill the position. The team added that they will be looking to name a coach as soon as possible, but will hold out for the right person with MLL coaching or playing experience.
The news comes directly after the team traded star attackman Matt Danowski and midfielder Stephen Berger to the newly formed Charlotte Hounds during Wednesday’s MLL Expansion Draft in exchange for the No. 1 pick in the 2012 MLL Collegiate Draft. The 2012 MLL Collegiate Draft will take place on Jan. 13, 2012 in Philadelphia, PA during the US Lacrosse National Convention. | 
