When Toronto Rock assistant coach John Lovell learned last Wednesday he had been promoted to the role of head coach, the announcement came with mixed emotions.
Lovell replaces Troy Cordingley, who was relieved of his duties the same day.
“This will be a tough act to follow,” Lovell admitted. “Troy Cordingley was coach of the year this year and won two NLL championships. We were first overall this year (in regular season). And I’d like to think we were friends.”
Toronto Rock general manager Terry Sanderson will step down as the team’s defensive coach.
Lovell was an assistant coach with Toronto Rock for the past four seasons and was an assistant to Sanderson from 2004 to 2006. Lovell won the National Lacrosse League with the Rock in 2005 and in 2011 alongside Cordingley.
Lovell says he is focused on building his bench personnel.
“I’m going to take some time on that,” he said, adding, “It comes down to trust and who will do a good job.
“There may be some changes in the way I do things, the way I approach things. I want to make sure I bring in guys who want to add a voice.”
While there will be turnover before next season, Lovell said, “We still have a solid group.”
“I believe players want structure, they want guidelines and discipline. I really believe if they give something of themselves there is a payoff, there is a reward.”
“I think there are some things we have to do differently as a team,” Lovell said.
“I think we need not to focus on winning so much in the beginning of the season, and then fade. I think the key is to be the kind of team that can play different games … be able to handle different teams and different games. How we play has to change too.”
Lovell credits his wife, MaryJo, for helping him make the decision.
“My wife is unbelievably supportive,” he said. “She encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and accept new challenges.”
