The indoor lacrosse community anticipated a brand-new look from the Syracuse Smash for 1999. The first step towards it, though, was certainly a unique one, coming when the Smash unveiled their new coaches.

That's right -- coaches, as in the plural case. Smash owner Howard Dolgon introduced Freeman Bucktooth, Patrick Donahue, and Steve Scaramuzzino as associate head coaches on Tuesday. The triumvirate replaces Kevin Alexander, who was not retained after a disappointing 2-10 inaugural season.

Bucktooth is a prominent lacrosse coach in the Syracuse area, while Donahue and Scaramuzzino are former Syracuse University stars who now play for the Smash. The three-man staff represents the franchise's two desires for the upcoming season -- field a team predominantly consisting of local players and put a better product on the field.

The three coaches will divide coaching responsibilities according to their individual strengths. Bucktooth is an offensive expert, and Scaramuzzino specializes in defense. Donahue will pass on his knowledge on chasing down loose balls and winning faceoffs.

Scaramuzzino and Donahue said the three coaches will frequently meet to ensure that they are in agreement on issues of shared responsibility, such as team rules and lineup changes. They offered a possible coaching situation in which either Scaramuzzino or Donahue would be playing, the other would watch from the press box, and Bucktooth would be behind the bench.

Smash star Paul Gait said the unusual coaching setup will allow the team the flexibility to adapt to different opponents, something he says Alexander did not do. "We didn't strategize," Gait said. "The job just wasn't getting done, and he was the head coach."

Of course, Alexander has his own perspective on the new arrangement. "It can be as confusing as it is enlightening," he said. "I'm not a big believer that you can have three bosses. Somebody has to be ultimately responsible."

"I think after last year's season, a lot of guys on the team would welcome some sort of change," said Smash midfielder Charlie Lockwood. "Until you try it, I don't think you can say it's a positive or a negative."

Dolgon believed last season that the best way to build the team was with Canadians, who are generally more familiar with indoor lacrosse, but has since reversed course and will encourage the coaches to choose as many as nineteen local players for the 23-man roster. This comes following a poor showing at the gate, as Smash fans reasoned that if they had to watch bad lacrosse, they might as well be watching local favorites.

"Howard's thinking is if he can get local players, they'll put people in the stands," Alexander said. "I hate to tell you, if you don't win you won't get anybody in the stands."

Dolgan is adamant that the Smash now have the right idea. "Make no mistake," said Dolgon. "We expect to win."

The Smash expect to win, but can they with this coaching-by-committee? It sure seems like an invitation for trouble if Bucktooth, Scaramuzzino, and Donahue can't come to agreements on important decisions.

However, based on what the new coaches have said, it seems like this is headed towards Bucktooth assuming the role of head coach, with Scaramuzzino and Donahue acting as assistants. It would probably be easier this way, but the current system surely is different. Maybe, just maybe, being different is what the Smash need.