John Terry Desko is a retired lacrosse head coach. Desko coached the men's lacrosse team at Syracuse University for 22 seasons from 1999 to 2021. Desko took over as head coach in 1999 from Hall of Fame coach Roy Simmons Jr. replacing Desko, who retired after 22 seasons as head coach.

Awards

Desko was named USILA Division I Coach of the Year for 2008 after guiding the Orange to a title over Johns Hopkins.

On April 11, 2026, Desko was named to the Syracuse University Ring of Honor, which enshrined his name for permanent display inside the JMA Wireless Dome..

Personal life

Desko resides in Syracuse with his wife, Cindy, and their four children; Tim (Timothy), Nicole, Casey and Ryan.

  • Syracuse profile