Bentley University has appointed Danny Lawson as its new head coach for the men's basketball program, tapping a familiar face who previously excelled both as a player and an assistant under the university's storied coaching lineage.
A Legacy Rekindled
Lawson’s playing days at Bentley were marked by distinction: he earned the Senior Male Athlete of the Year award, helped the team qualify for the NCAA Tournament three times, and guided the 2007 squad to the Elite Eight. His deep connection to the campus and its basketball culture made his return a natural progression after years of service in various coaching roles.
Before taking the Bentley job, Lawson served as an assistant at the University of Maryland‑Baltimore County, where he helped the Retrievers capture both the regular‑season and tournament titles in the America East conference. He later headed the program at Long Island University, where he was named D3Hoops.com New England Coach of the Year, and spent stints at Duquesne University and the Boston Celtics as an assistant video coordinator during their 2007‑08 championship season.
Inheriting a Storied Program
Lawson succeeds his father, Jay Lawson, who retired after 41 years with the Bentley program. Jay Lawson compiled a career record of 664‑335 and led the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, leaving behind a foundation of excellence and community engagement that Lawson now aims to extend.
Colleagues, alumni, and current players have voiced strong support for the new coach, highlighting his leadership, strategic acumen, and personal character. Their endorsements suggest a seamless transition and a shared commitment to restoring Bentley’s competitive edge in the coming seasons.