VILLANOVA, Pa. – A longtime Villanova men's lacrosse staffer is moving on up as defensive coordinator Chris Miller is being elevated to associate head coach, announced on Thursday by head coach Mike Corrado.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead this program to new heights," Miller said.
Miller has roamed the VU sidelines as an assistant coach for the last eight seasons, joining the staff ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.
"For the last eight years, Chris has played a vital role in the program and his impact has been deeply felt by everyone involved," Corrado said. "This recognition is truly well deserved and a testament to his hard work and dedication."
In his role coordinating the defense, Miller has directed one of the top units in the BIG EAST since coming to the Main Line with his squad regularly ranking in the top 20 in scoring defense. In 2024, he was selected as an assistant coach for the prestigious USILA Senior All-Star game after leading the Wildcats to the second-most caused turnovers in the nation.
Miller has coached six defensive players to All-America status, including a 2023 First Team nod for Chet Comizio, and mentored both Reid Colwell and Stephen Zupicich to the Tewaaraton Award watch list as well as Zachary Kryza to the 2021 USILA Senior All-Star game.
Six Wildcat defenders have been named to the All-BIG EAST First Team under Miller's guidance, including 2025 BIG EAST Co-Specialist of the Year Jake Melchionni, while eight 'Cats on the defensive side have earned all-conference second team with Miller directing the group.
Miller and the Wildcats will make their way back to the field in the spring, looking to return to the BIG EAST title game for a third straight season.
