SALEM — Salem State University announced on Wednesday that it has hired alumnus Jimmy O’Reilly as the Vikings’ new men’s golf coach.
O’Reilly — a 1998 graduate of Salem State — will replace Kevin Daly (’91), who held the position since 2018.
O’Reilly enjoyed a stellar career as a member of the Salem State golf program. The former captain was a four-year starter (1994-98) who played in three NCAA Championships, helping the team achieve a top-15 ranking nationally twice during his career.
“I am honored to join Salem State as the men’s golf coach,” O’Reilly said. “I have dreamed of coming back to the university as a coach since my days as a Viking student-athlete, and I could not be more thankful to athletic director Nicolle Wood for giving me this opportunity.
“The entire athletic department embodies the drive and dedication it takes to be successful, and I look forward to bringing my leadership, experience and passion to the team. I’m excited to be working with such an incredible group of dedicated and enthusiastic players as we work together to return Salem State golf as one of the top programs in New England.”
As a Viking, O’Reilly earned two individual tournament titles and was named to the All-Mass Intercollegiate Team in 1996. He was selected as a Preseason All-American by Golf World in 1997. As an amateur, he played in five Massachusetts Amateurs, four Massachusetts Opens and two Ouimet Memorial Tournaments.
A member of the Newton North High School golf team, O’Reilly was a four-year starter and compiled a 48-4 career record while being named a Bay State All-Star twice. He was also named to the New Tribune, MetroWest and Boston Globe All-Scholastic Teams.
Prior to joining Salem State, O’Reilly had been a coach for First Tee sponsored by Boston Parks and Recreation Department and, more recently, was an assistant coach at Newton North.
