SPOKANE, Wash. — Aaron Lewis has announced that he is stepping down as head coach of the Gonzaga men's soccer program. Athletic Director Chris Standiford has named Assistant coach Chris McGaughey interim head coach for next year and Christo Michaelson will remain on staff as an assistant coach.
"Gonzaga truly is a special place and the men's soccer program was an honor to lead over the last five years," Lewis said. "I remain extremely grateful for the opportunity they provided me and wish the team and department immense success moving forward."
After serving as an assistant coach in 2019, Lewis moved into the head coaching role at Gonzaga on April 21, 2021. During his time at the helm, Lewis compiled a 20-40-11 record.
During his first season as head coach, GU was one of the most improved teams in the country, finishing the season at 7-10 and 2-5 in West Coast Conference play. It was the first season that the Zags won seven games in a season since 2016.
In 2021, the Bulldogs went on a four-game winning streak, which included three shutouts. In WCC play, Gonzaga won its first opening game against San Diego on the road, marking the first conference opening win for the Bulldogs since 2015. Most recently in the 2024 season, the Bulldogs had a win over No. 9 Seattle for the program's first ranked win since 2019 and the first top 10 win since 2007.
In his four seasons as a head coach at GU, Lewis coached 12 players that earned All-WCC honors. Off the field, the team earned above a 3.0 grade point average in every semester under Lewis and earned multiple All-Conference Academic Honors every season.
"We are incredibly grateful for Aaron and all that he has done for Gonzaga men's soccer on and off the field," Gonzaga Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer Shannon Strahl said. "He is a great Zag, and we fully support him in his future endeavors."
McGaughey joined the Gonzaga coaching staff prior to the 2023 season after serving as an assistant coach at CSU Bakersfield and a collegiate and professional playing career.
