Jason Hirsh, Head Soccer Coach, UT Dallas

Jason Hirsch joined the Comet coaching staff as a full-time assistant in July 2007. During his first year, UT Dallas claimed its second conference crown.

Former player and longtime assistant coach Jason Hirsch has been named the new head men's soccer coach at UT Dallas.

Hirsch, who holds two degrees from UT Dallas, was an All-Conference athlete for the Comets during his four-year playing career (2002-2005) and was the Comets' full-time assistant under former head coach Jack Peel for the past six seasons.

Peel retired in January after 15 years heading the program. Hirsch had served as interim head coach for the past three months.

“It is a pleasure and honor to announce that Jason Hirsch has accepted the head men's soccer position here at UTD,” said Director of Athletics Chris Gage. “This is a new and exciting chapter in a very successful men's soccer team.”

Hirsch was a member of the UT Dallas' 2004 American Southwest Conference (ASC) championship team. He joined the Comets' coaching staff as a full-time assistant in July 2007. In his first year on staff, UT Dallas claimed its second conference crown. The Comets made their third trip to the ASC title game in the past six seasons last fall.

“During my time as an assistant we have been successful in our recruiting and have brought in top-quality young men who are academically motivated, as well as driven to perform on the field,” said Hirsch. “We will continue to recruit the best players available, while emphasizing the focus on academics with all of our players.”

Jason Hirsch in 2004

Hirsch was a team captain and first team All-Conference selection as a senior for the Comets.

“Coach Hirsch brings a passion, dedication, integrity, commitment and loyalty to the program that exemplifies his philosophy,” said Gage.  “He is a consummate teacher, coach and professional. … Jason is a student of the game who possesses the energy, enthusiasm and soccer expertise to build on the past success of UT Dallas men's soccer.”

While serving as an assistant coach, Hirsch was the program's recruiting coordinator and planned practice sessions for daily training. Over the past six seasons, the Comets have boasted 40 All-ASC picks, including 16 selections to the first team. This past fall, UT Dallas had both the ASC's Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year. Over the past six years, UT Dallas has a cumulative record of 73-31-13, including a 53-15-10 mark in conference play.

“I have a very strong passion for the game of soccer, and I also have a very strong connection with UT Dallas,” continued Hirsch.

A native of Plano, Hirsch was a team captain and first team All-ASC selection as a senior for the Comets. He was also a two-time Academic All-ASC selection during his playing career. Hirsch served as a volunteer coach for the Comets in 2005-06. He earned his bachelor's degree in finance in 2005 and collected his MBA with a focus on Organizational Leadership in 2011. He also served as an assistant coach for the UT Dallas men's tennis program for the past six years.

A national search for a full-time assistant coach is under way.