WALTHAM, Mass. – Following a national search, Bentley University Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams is excited to introduce Danny Lawson '07 as the fifth head coach of the Bentley men's basketball program.

After a four-year playing career at Bentley, Lawson quickly became a highly regarded coach in the collegiate ranks. He returns to his alma mater after serving as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) since 2021. Lawson helped lead the 2025-26 UMBC Retrievers to America East titles in both the regular season and the conference tournament, earning an automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament.

During his student-athlete years at Bentley, Lawson was heralded for his leadership, as he earned a share of the athletic department's Senior Male Athlete of the Year award. Bentley qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times during Lawson's playing career, reaching the Elite Eight in 2007. The program compiled a 101-27 record during Lawson's four years.

"Danny truly understands the culture and expectations of Bentley Athletics," said Williams. "His success as a Bentley student-athlete quickly translated into an outstanding coaching career. Over the years, Danny has demonstrated that he knows how to lead and how to recruit at all three NCAA levels. He is the right person for this job, and we're excited to have him back home."

Lawson succeeds his father, Jay Lawson, at the helm of the Bentley program. Jay Lawson recently retired after spending 41 years on the Bentley men's basketball staff, including 35 as head coach. He compiled a career record of 664-335, captured nine Northeast 10 regular season championships and four NE10 tournament titles, earned 13 NCAA Division II tournament bids, reached the Sweet Sixteen eight times, made four trips to the Elite Eight, and advanced to the Final Four twice.

"I am honored and grateful to be named the men's basketball head coach at Bentley," said Danny Lawson. "This place is home, and I couldn't be more excited and motivated to get to work. I want to thank Vaughn Williams, Vice President of Student Affairs Andrew Shepardson, and President LaBrent Chrite for their belief and trust in me leading this program that I care so deeply about. 

"My Dad built something truly unique that both past and present players are extremely proud of   — success on and off the court, a culture of lifetime relationships, and an unwavering standard of growth and excellence," Lawson continued. "Carrying forward the legacy of this program is a responsibility that I want, and will always treat with the utmost respect. It is now our collective job to continue building on this special foundation."

Lawson's DI experience extends beyond his time at UMBC. He was on the coaching staff at Long Island University for two seasons, and he was an assistant coach at Duquesne for five seasons. Both seasons at LIU, 2010-11 and 2011-12, culminated with NCAA appearances.

Leading up to his five seasons at UMBC, Lawson was the head coach at Emmanuel in Boston. There, Lawson earned D3Hoops.com New England Coach of the Year and amassed a 37-16 record. He led Emmanuel to consecutive seasons of 18+ wins for the first time in its program's history. Lawson's leadership not only reinvigorated the Emmanuel men's basketball program, but the campus community, as well.

For four consecutive years during his time at UMBC, Lawson was selected for the prestigious TopConnect Symposium, which identifies the top assistant basketball coaches in the country.

After graduating from Bentley with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Sciences, Lawson joined the Boston Celtics staff as assistant video coordinator for the organization's 2007-08 NBA Championship season. His first coaching position was as an assistant with Le Moyne, which was a member of the NE10 at the time.  

A native of nearby Lexington, Mass., Lawson earned his master's degree in social science from LIU in 2012.

 
What they're saying about Danny Lawson:
"I am extremely excited for and proud of Danny, and Bentley University for that matter. Danny will do an outstanding job representing, leading and coaching Bentley with unmatched desire. I have known Danny practically his whole life and have seen him grow from a Bentley basketball player to an outstanding, knowledgeable coach. I can say with certainty that I would not have had the success that I have enjoyed as a coach if I didn't have Danny by my side working together. He has an unbelievable mind for the game, and true passion for developing players on and off the court. I will sadly miss working with Danny every day, but I will be watching every Bentley game with pride."

• Jim Ferry, UMBC men's basketball head coach

 
"Danny is the ideal modern coach - combining old school values and work ethic with a level of coaching sophistication to match today's game. Bentley is getting a premier coaching mind and, more importantly, a person of character who will effectively develop young men as players and as people."

• Brian Barrio, former Director of Athletics at University of Maryland-Baltimore County / Central Connecticut State University

 
"I can't think of anyone that embodies the hallmarks of the Bentley program more than Danny. His coaching success across all levels of play speaks for itself. His former teammates, fellow coaches, alumni, friends and family know he'll do a great job as he leads Bentley into the future. More importantly, we all know he will bring the same principled commitment and dogged approach that led to such great success and accomplishments during the last three decades."

• Nate Fritsch '08, Northeast 10 Hall of Fame 2014, Bentley Hall of Fame 2015

 
"Coach Lawson played a major role in our success and was a huge part of our championship run. He has an exceptional basketball mind and is always doing his best to put us in position to succeed. Beyond his basketball IQ, he is also a great person whose character, leadership, and daily example had a lasting impact on our team and myself individually."

• Josh Odunowo, UMBC men's basketball captain 2024-2026, America East Man of the Year Nominee 2026

 
"Coach Lawson has been one of the most influential people I have had in my life. He has been a mentor, role model, and father-figure to me through my journey and I believe he will continue to do so throughout my life. He has challenged me, believed in me, and has helped shape me into the man I am today. Bentley is not only gaining one of the best coaches and amazing leaders, but also someone who genuinely cares about the growth and well-being of every young person he coaches."

• Dion Brown, UMBC men's basketball player 2022-2024