MINNEAPOLIS – After seven seasons leading the Minnesota men’s lacrosse team, Rich Limpert has announced that he will be stepping down as head coach to become the program’s director of lacrosse operations.

Limpert will be replaced by the co-head coaching tandem of Charlie Gee and Drew Peterson for the 2020 season.

During his seven seasons with the Golden Gophers, Limpert amassed a record of 68-42 and was named the conference coach the year three times. The 2019 campaign marked just the second time that Minnesota qualified for the MCLA National Championships, with the first coming in 2005.

"Coach Limpert has really built the lacrosse program at the University of Minnesota from the ground up,” said senior captain Malik Ekpenyong. “He has put in countless hours of time and sacrifice and by working together we have built an exciting, sustainable, and special culture here. I firmly believe that Rich has had a tremendous influence on turning us from a 'me' to a 'we' type of program. With the groundwork that Rich has laid down, the transition to Coach Peterson and Coach Gee will be seamless.

“Lacrosse has been a huge part of my college experience in large part due to Coach Limpert,” added senior captain Amar Batra. “He sold me on the vision of being the best MCLA team we could possibly be and I’ve worked closely with him on the field and behind the scenes to get us closer to that. The switch to Coach Peterson and Coach Gee will be a smooth transition because they have the same vision and passion that Rich has setting the program up for success in the present and future.”

Gee and Peterson are being elevated from within the program. Gee is a former Minnesota player and has been on Limpert’s staff for the past five seasons. Peterson also apprenticed under Limpert after joining the program after his playing days at Lindenwood.

Both work with Twin City area club and high school programs in addition to their duties at Minnesota.

“I'm excited about the opportunity to work with Drew and our staff to continue building on the growth and success Rich has brought to this program over the past seven years,” Gee said. “We have a lot of experience within our staff and we want to get this program to the top.”

“I am enthusiastic to work with a team of coaches and players who aspire to succeed,” added Peterson. “I believe that Rich Limpert and many more individuals have laid the groundwork for the U of M lacrosse program in a way that the team expects nothing less than striving to be the best.”