Dave Cottle Hired as GM of Philadelphia Waterdogs

Dave Cottle is back in professional lacrosse.

The three-time Major League Lacrosse champion as the leader of the Chesapeake Bayhawks will join the Premier Lacrosse League as the first-ever general manager of the Philadelphia Waterdogs, the league announced Friday.

Cottle, alongside head coach Bill Tierney, represent two coaching legends within the same organization, both of whom hope to rebuild the Waterdogs after back to back under-.500 seasons.

A member of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Cottle won more than 300 NCAA games at Maryland and Loyola, leading both teams to multiple NCAA tournament appearances.

“Dave and I have shared a friendship, business, close family relationship, and competitive spirit that spans decades,” Tierney said in a release. “His experience building franchises will be invaluable as we continue to develop our roster and pursue another championship. His insight into the pro game is unmatched and our players will enjoy all that he brings to the Waterdogs. I couldn’t be more excited to work with him again.”

Cottle spent the 2024 season as the offensive coordinator for Navy, his most recent NCAA position.