AUBURN, Ala. – Former Georgia Tech assistant J.J. Arminio has been named the head coach of the Auburn University men’s lacrosse team starting with the 2018 campaign.

Arminio replaces Alex Mauro as head coach, although Mauro remains on the Tigers staff as the offensive coordinator. Recent Auburn graduate Braxton Roman will be the defensive coordinator.

"I'm very excited to start this journey with Auburn,” said Arminio, who played four years at Auburn, graduating in 2009. “It's always a dream come true when you get a chance to return to your alma mater. This program has shown some real growth in the last couple of years with some great leadership from its players. With some consistent leadership at the top, we could see even more growth in the future."

Arminio was an assistant at Georgia Tech for three seasons, helping the Yellow Jackets post a 50-5 mark in that time along with two trips to the semifinals of the MCLA National Championships.

He was responsible for coaching the faceoff specialists and assisting the offensive coordinator. Arminio also ran the in-game box for the Ramblin’ Wreck.

Under his tutelage, Geogia Tech faceoff man Holland Frost ’17 was twice named All-American, including first team status this past spring.

"I was very lucky to begin my coaching career with Georgia Tech,” Arminio said. “I can't think of a better program and head coach, Ken Lovic, to learn under. It's a first class program from top to bottom and I know they will continue to have success for many years to come.

“I want to make sure I thank everyone associated with the GT Lacrosse program – the players, their parents, my fellow assistant coaches, and the Alumni Affinity Group. They were all so welcoming and instantly made me feel like I was a part of the program."

Auburn plays in the Southwest division of the SouthEastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC), meaning Arminio and the Tigers will be playing Georgia Tech every year.

The Tigers finished the 2017 season with a 5-8 mark, but advanced to the semifinals of the SELC tournament after upsetting Clemson in the quarterfinals.