Knighthawks Hire Randy Mearns as Interim Head Coach

Mearns, a former Knighthawks player, takes over after team fires Mike Hasen.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Rochester Knighthawks have hired Randy Mearns as their interim head coach, replacing Mike Hasen who was fired on Monday. Mearns is a former Knighthawks player who won a championship with the team in 1997 and has extensive coaching experience at the college level.

Why it matters

The Knighthawks are currently 5-6 and sit one spot out of the playoffs in the National Lacrosse League. Mearns' hiring as interim head coach is an attempt to turn the team's season around and make a push for the postseason.

The details

Mearns spent seven seasons as a player for the Knighthawks, serving as the team's captain and winning a championship in 1997. Since retiring as a player, he has coached collegiately for 26 seasons, first with Canisius from 1998 to 2017 and then with St. Bonaventure from 2017 to 2025. Mearns also served as the head coach of the Canadian national team, winning gold at the 2014 FIL World Championship.

  • On Monday, the Knighthawks fired head coach Mike Hasen.
  • On Friday, the Knighthawks announced they have hired Randy Mearns as their interim head coach.

The players

Randy Mearns

A former Knighthawks player who won a championship with the team in 1997. He has extensive coaching experience at the college level and also served as the head coach of the Canadian national team.

Mike Hasen

The former head coach of the Knighthawks who was fired on Monday.

Dan Carey

The general manager of the Rochester Knighthawks.

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What they’re saying

“I would like to thank Dan Carey and the entire Knighthawks organization for this incredible opportunity to join a group of men trying to accomplish something amazing: Winning an NLL Championship. I am humbled and excited to build on the foundation set forth by Mike Hasen and (former assistant coach) Pat O'Toole, and can't wait to get started. It feels good to be back home.”

— Randy Mearns (Press Release)

“Randy Mearns is a true professional who brings a tremendous amount of energy, experience, and a deep wealth of lacrosse knowledge. We are excited to add his leadership and passion for the game to the organization.”

— Dan Carey, Rochester Knighthawks General Manager (Press Release)

What’s next

The 5-6 Knighthawks will travel to Las Vegas for a Sunday tilt against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs as Mearns makes his debut as interim head coach.

The takeaway

Mearns' hiring as interim head coach represents an attempt by the Knighthawks to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs. His extensive coaching experience and familiarity with the organization as a former player could provide the spark the team needs to get back on track.