Williams steps aside as Whitby head coach, Wilde new Warriors bench boss
Shawn Williams (Photo: Ontario Lacrosse Association)
The 2022 Minto Cup champion Whitby Warriors announced a number of changes to their coaching staff, the most significant being Shawn Williams’ departure as the team’s head coach, as well as the promotion of Mitch Wilde to the club’s lead coaching role.
In addition to Williams stepping down, assistant coaches Phil Wetherup and Jim Dasberg have also exited their positions. Williams will also no longer serve as Whitby’s assistant general manager.
On August 30 of this past year, Williams and his staff led Whitby to the city’s eighth Minto Cup, taking the Junior A series 2-1 over the Edmonton Miners in a thrilling final. The team was also given the Jim Bishop Memorial Award, an honour presented annually to the OJLL’s top coaching staff.
Williams currently serves as the National Lacrosse League’s Las Vegas Desert Dogs’ head coach and general manager, winning his first game with the team this past Friday. Wetherup also works with the Desert Dogs as their Canadian scout.
Wilde, who was an assistant coach with Whitby’s Cup-winning side last summer and currently plays for the NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks, is one of a number Warriors staff members that are remaining with the team. Like Wilde, others have also earned increased roles with the organization, including Joel Watson, who takes over assistant GM duties for the departed Williams.
The Warriors updated 2023 staff will include:
Mitch Wilde, Head Coach
Kevin Jenkins, Assistant Coach
Joel Watson, Assistant Coach & Assistant General Manager
Greg O’Connor, Co-General Manager
Mark Mason, Co-General Manager
Regarding the status of Williams, Wetherup and Dasberg, Whitby’s announcement further confirms, “…that all three will be sticking around as advisors, although they won’t be with us full time, they will always be near for assistant and guidance.”
The moves were made about 24 hours before the OJLL Entry Draft, where the Warriors select 5th, 12th and 20th overall on the day.
As previously mentioned, Williams and the expansion Desert Dogs won their first NLL game this past Friday. Las Vegas was behind 12-4 against the Vancouver Warriors at the half-way mark of the match, but mounted an incredible comeback to take the contest 15-14.