LAFAYETTE, La. – Jeff Nichol has been named the head coach for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette men’s lacrosse team, according to a team announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Nichol replaces Cliff White, who coached the Ragin’ Cajuns for three seasons, amassing a 10-18 record and making one appearance in the Lone Star Alliance (LSA) tournament.

“While we are grateful for all that Coach White has done, we are excited about our new direction and voice,” the ULL release read. “Coach Nichol has been promoted from his role of defensive coordinator and will man the helm for the Cajuns.”

Nichol was a defensive specialist in the National Lacrosse League, helping the Toronto Rock win a championship in 2004. He played for numerous box programs, including Burlington Senior B, St. Catherine’s Major A and Six Nations Major A.

Prior to his professional lacrosse career, Nichol was a football man. He played at Division I-AA Colgate, where he received Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honors on numerous occasions. After graduation, he was picked 45th overall in the 1994 Canadian Football League draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Nichol is a native of Hamilton, Ontario and prepped at St. Mary’s High School.

La.-Lafayette finished with a 4-10 mark last year competing in LSA Division I. They will compete in LSA Division II this spring.