The Jets allowed Shanahan to go with Team USA and compete in the World Lacrosse Championships in Perth, Australia.
In 2001, he was the inaugural winner of the Tewaaraton Trophy, which is presented yearly to the nation's top college player.
[3] Shanahan also played a half season during the New York Saints last year of the National Lacrosse League in 2002, where he recorded seven goals and four assists in eight games.
In his inaugural year as head coach, Shanahan led the Titans to a 4th-place finish in the IHSLA Lacrosse state championship tournament.
In 2008, Shanahan also coached lacrosse at the University of Illinois, where he led the team to an 11–7 record his first year.
In 2009, Doug Shanahan signed on as the new head coach for the Fort Lauderdale, Florida Pine Crest Panthers, leading them to a 12–6 record.
Similar to his high school and college days, Doug also was a part of the football squad as the Quarterback coach.
In 2014 he was the lacrosse coach at St Brendan High School Miami, Florida and the assistant athletic director.