Chris Feifs was named Virginia's associate head coach and defensive coordinator on June 8, 2026.
Feifs arrived in Charlottesville after a highly successful 10-year tenure as head coach at Vermont, where he became the winningest coach in program history with a 78-59 record. Under his leadership, the Catamounts emerged as one of the nation's premier mid-major programs, capturing consecutive America East championships in 2021 and 2022 and earning the program's first two NCAA Tournament appearances.
In 2021, Feifs guided Vermont to its first-ever NCAA Tournament berth after winning the America East Tournament championship. The following season, the Catamounts went undefeated in conference play and earned the program's first NCAA Tournament victory with a 15-3 win over Manhattan. He was named America East Coach of the Year in 2023 after leading Vermont to another undefeated conference season and a 16-game regular-season winning streak against league opponents that spanned four seasons (2021-24).
Prior to becoming Vermont's head coach, Feifs spent eight seasons (2009-16) as an assistant coach at North Carolina, serving as the Tar Heels' defensive coordinator and faceoff coach. During his tenure, UNC reached the NCAA Tournament every season and captured the 2016 NCAA Championship, the program's first national title since 1991. The Tar Heels also won the 2013 ACC Tournament championship and shared ACC regular-season titles in 2010 and 2016.
At North Carolina, Feifs helped develop numerous standout players, including first-team All-American faceoff specialist R.G. Keenan in 2012. In his first season on staff, the Tar Heels recorded their most successful campaign since 1993, finishing with 13 wins and a No. 4 national ranking.
Feifs began his collegiate coaching career at VMI, where he served as an assistant coach during the 2008 and 2009 seasons and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2008. He helped guide the Keydets to their first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament appearance in 28 years.
A native of Durham, North Carolina, Feifs was a four-year letterwinner at Maryland from 2004-07 and became the first player from North Carolina to earn a lacrosse scholarship with the Terrapins. Maryland advanced to the NCAA semifinals during both his sophomore and junior seasons.
As a senior captain in 2007, Feifs posted career highs with 15 goals and four assists for 19 points. A three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll selection, he graduated from Maryland in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Following his collegiate career, Feifs was selected by the Boston Cannons in the 2007 Major League Lacrosse Supplemental Draft and played one professional season.
Feifs and his wife, Katy, have a son, Stone.