National Lacrosse League

The Minnesota Swarm on Wednesday named Joe Sullivan as their new head coach, replacing Mike Lines.

Sullivan, who is also the team’s associate general manager, becomes the fifth head coach in team history. He has twice been an assistant coach in the NLL, most recently with Toronto in 2009.

“Joe is a great fit for our team as he is a very steady hand who can help our young players get through the highs and lows of a National Lacrosse League season,” Swarm owner and president John Arlotta said of the 42-year-old native of Peterborough, Ontario.

Lines, who became Minnesota’s head coach in 2010, posted a 16-22 record with the Swarm.

“Mike is a great offensive mind, and was a big reason for the success that we’ve had in that area over the last few years,” Arlotta said. “I fully expect that he will be coaching again in the NLL in the near future and I want to thank him for his contributions to the Swarm and wish him all the best.”

Minnesota is 3-3 and in third place in the West Division, three games behind unbeaten Colorado.

Sullivan’s head coaching debut comes Friday night when the Swarm open a four-game road trip against Washington.