Feb 12 2024 56 mins 1
Jimmy Quinlan is the youngest coach in the National Lacrosse League, for whatever that is worth. He started coaching long before his playing career ended in 2013 though, so the experience is there. How could it not be stepping onto the Toronto Rock team in 2005, a roster riddled with at least 11 players who coach or have coached in the NLL. Legends of the game. His first coach was Terry Sanderson. It was a long road to Toronto for a kid who grew up in northern Alberta. Not even close to a lacrosse hot bed at the time.
His grizzled playing career saw him playing both offence and defence so his understanding off all aspects of the game is unmatched. His number 81 is still the only number retired in Rush franchise history.
His mentor Derek Kennan offered him his first coaching job shortly after his playing career ended and he was with the Edmonton/Saskatchewan Rush during their string of three championships from 2015-2018.
Time away with family brought him back to the team in 2022.
He was named Co-Head Coach by the end of that season and full bore Head Coach in 2023.
At the time of this recording, and offensive struggles to start 2024, GM Derek Keenan is back on the Rush bench as a Co-Head Coach while Quinlan is Co-Head Coach and acting as the offensive coordinator, tapping into his IQ.
We will talk about the yo-yo head coach position in Sask that past three seasons and what he’s learning from the experience and how he is trying to lead this young team back to prominence.
A true chatterbox of the game, Jimmy loves to talk, and his energy is tangible. Another NLL Coach/Educator by day, he literally talks, teaches and coaches for a living.
Jimmy Quinlan is on Coaches Calls. Thanks for listening.
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