John, a native of Corning, NY, is a 1991 graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration where he was a three-year member of the school’s Dean’s list. He had the opportunity to play for legendary coach Richie Moran and was a member of the 1989 squad that earned a berth in the NCAA tournament. John was a goalie when he entered college but played a number of positions for the Big Red, giving him a great appreciation and understanding for the overall game of lacrosse.
John played professionally for the Baltimore Thunder and the Washington Power of the National Lacrosse League. During his final two seasons in Baltimore, he helped the Thunder reach the NLL Championship and Semifinals. He also played for the Toyota Lacrosse Club, that won five-consecutive Southern Division Championships, including a world championship in 2000.
John started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Ithaca College. He spent four seasons (1992-95) with the Bombers, helping lead them to the Division III national semifinals in 1992.
Tillman then spent 12 seasons at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., during which the midshipmen compiled an overall record of 104-63. After six seasons as an assistant coach, he was promoted to head assistant coach and offensive coordinator prior to the 2002 season. Following the Mids’ tremendous 2004 season, John was awarded the Collegiate Lacrosse Assistant Coach of the Year Award by the Maryland State Lacrosse Coaches Association.
Following his tenure at the U.S. Naval Academy John became the head lacrosse coach at Harvard University. During his three seasons at Harvard, he compiled an overall record of 20-19, including an 8-5 mark in 2009, which was the Crimson’s highest win total since 1999.
John Tillman was hired as the University of Maryland’s head men’s lacrosse coach on June 16, 2010, becoming the ninth coach in the then-85-year history of the program. In 2017 Maryland captured its first NCAA National Championship since 1975. Since taking over the helm as Maryland head coach eight years ago, John has led the Terps to seven NCAA Final Fours, five national title games and a 122-38 (.763) overall record. His 21-8 career NCAA Tournament record ranks seventh all-time in NCAA history. In 2014 he was voted the ACC Coach of the Year.
John is extremely active in the community, regularly speaking to local schools and lacrosse programs. He has been highly involved with Team IMPACT since 2015, which matches children with life-threatening illnesses with sports programs. In addition, he also regularly coaches in the annual “Shootout for Soldiers” event. He was previously commissioned into the U.S. Navy as a fleet support officer and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal.
