After leading the Syracuse Orange women's program to unprecidented heights, Gary Gait has officially been hired as the new Syracuse men's lacrosse coach, replacing the retiring John Desko.

With the hire, Gait becomes just the fifth head coach in the 107 years of Syracuse men's lacrosse history.

Gait, who was inducted into the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2005 as a player, led the Orange to three national championships. Now, after leading the women's program for 14 seasons, Gait will be tasked with trying to lead Syracuse to a title as the men's lacrosse history. 

Gait has been a fan favorite since first donning the Orange uniform as a player.

"This is an exciting opportunity to be able to coach the team I made so many memories playing for, and my family and I are excited for this transition," Gait said. "The goal of every team I've ever coached was to win a championship and that goal will continue as the head coach of the Syracuse men's lacrosse team." 

But despite his long resume of success as a player and coaching women's lacrosse, Gait has never coached men's lacrosse before. This, however, doesn't seem to be a concern.

“Gary is as knowledgeable about the game of lacrosse as any person in the sport. He is the greatest player of the modern era," SU Athletic Director John Wildhack said.

In an additional move, Syracuse has named Caitlin Defliese interim head coach as a national search for Gait's full time replacement is underway. Defliese has been an assistant coach for the Orange women's program each of the last five seasons.