The Columbus Landsharks announced today that they have hired Bob Hamley as head coach.

Hamley comes to Columbus from Albany, where he was Bob McMahon's assistant coach for the Attack's thrilling run to the NLL Champions Cup final last season. Hamley took over a moribund Attack offense -- the NLL's lowest-scoring team in 2001 -- and turned it into one of the league's most productive and most exciting units in 2002.

"We are excited to have Bob in our family," Landsharks co-owner Mike Gongas said. "Bob brings a hard-working, blue-collar attitude to our organization. His knowledge of the game and his ability to make players respond should make for a successful season."

Hamley played four seasons (1992-1995) with the Buffalo Bandits, serving as an assistant captain each season. "Hammer" won Major Indoor Lacrosse League championships in his first two seasons, including the only undefeated season in league history (1993).

Prior to entering the NLL's coaching ranks a year ago, Hamley was head coach and general manager of the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves (Ontario Lacrosse Association, Junior A) for three seasons.

Hamley replaces interim co-coaches Wayne Colley and Chris Gallagher, who went 1-6 at the helm after Ron Roy resigned as head coach and general manager in February. Roy had compiled a 4-5 record to begin the 2002 season, his first stint as an NLL head coach, but left the team in a dispute with ownership.

The Landsharks also named Jeff Dowling and Rick Wilson assistant coaches today.

Dowling formerly was a scout for the Ottawa Rebel and color commentator on Buffalo Bandits radio broadcasts. He is also the head coach and general manager of the Burlington Chiefs (OLA Junior A).

Wilson, an assistant coach in the summer with Kitchener-Waterloo, is also head coach of the Lurila University men's lacrosse team in Kitchener.