Salem State will be searching for a new leader on the sidelines after Head Coach Stephen Driscoll announced he is stepping away from the men’s lacrosse program following five seasons at the helm. While the win-loss record only tells part of the story, Driscoll leaves Salem State having helped reshape the trajectory of the Viking program. During his tenure, the Vikings collected 27 victories, the second-most wins by any head coach in program history, while steadily building both the roster and competitiveness of the program.

The 2026 season proved to be the pinnacle of Driscoll’s time in Salem. The Vikings finished 8-7 overall and 3-4 in Little East Conference play, earning Driscoll his first career Little East Conference Coach of the Year award. The eight victories matched the second-highest single-season win total in program history and capped off back-to-back eight-win campaigns, marking the program’s best stretch since 2013.

Under Driscoll’s leadership, Salem State developed into one of the more productive offenses in the conference. This past season the Vikings ranked among the LEC leaders in nearly every major offensive category, finishing third in goals per game (13.47), third in assists per game (7.87), fourth in total goals (202), and fourth in total assists (118). Beyond the team statistics, individual success followed.

Salem State players earned five Little East All-Conference selections, produced a Rookie of the Year recipient, and sent a representative to the New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) All-Star Game. Just as importantly, Driscoll’s impact extended far beyond the field. His student-athletes earned four NEILA All-Academic Team selections, 24 Little East Academic Honor Roll honors, and 19 LEC Spring All-Academic Team recognitions during his tenure.

Athletic Director Nicolle Wood praised the culture and foundation Driscoll established during his time with the program.

“Coach Driscoll was among my first hires when I was named Director of Athletics,” Wood said. “He has helped increase roster size, improve competitiveness, and elevate the program in every way. Most importantly, he has been an amazing role model for our men’s lacrosse team and has built a culture that will continue to benefit all Viking student-athletes in the future.”

In his farewell statement, Driscoll reflected on a tenure defined by growth, relationships, and building something sustainable.

“From the beginning, our goal was simple: to leave the program better than we found it,” Driscoll said.

That mission appears to have been accomplished. During his five seasons, Salem State increased its roster numbers, established new program records, earned multiple conference honors, and expanded its impact through community service initiatives and mental health awareness events. Driscoll repeatedly emphasized that the relationships formed with his players would remain the most meaningful part of his coaching journey.

“Most importantly, I want to thank the players,” Driscoll said. “Your commitment, work ethic, resilience, and willingness to buy into our vision are what made every accomplishment possible.”

As Salem State begins its search for the next head coach, the incoming leader will inherit a program that has gained momentum over the past several seasons and appears positioned for continued growth. For Driscoll, the chapter closes with a Coach of the Year award, one of the most successful stretches in program history, and a legacy that extends well beyond the wins column. Stephen Driscoll leaves Salem State in a significantly stronger position than when he arrived. Back-to-back eight-win seasons, increased roster depth, conference recognition, and a culture centered around student-athlete development have created a foundation the Vikings can build upon moving forward. 

The search begins immediately, but Driscoll’s impact on Salem State lacrosse will be felt for years to come.