The University of Ottawa Sports Services has reached an agreement with Gary Etcheverry to lead the Gee-Gees football team as head coach for the upcoming season.
"I am absolutely thrilled with the opportunity," commented Etcheverry. "I am looking forward to making all the people who have supported me proud based on the results we are able to achieve, and to making some great alumni with the players that are here."
A long-time CFL coach, Etcheverry won the Grey Cup as the defensive line coach with the Toronto Argonauts in 1997. He was named Head Coach of the Argos in 2002, and most recently was the defensive coordinator for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, making two more Grey Cup appearances in 2009 and 2010.
Etcheverry has also worked with the B.C. Lions and Ottawa Renegades organizations. Etcheverry reflects on his brief time in Ottawa fondly. "The city as a whole was wonderful. It has a lot of potential as a football city, and I'm glad to be coming back."
"We are very pleased to have hired someone of Gary's experience and expertise," said Luc Gélineau, Director of Sports Services, upon reaching the agreement. "He is a well-respected and creative coach who will maximize the tremendous talent of our student-athletes."
After graduating from the University of Southern California with a BA in Physical Education, the native of Los Angeles began his coaching career at San Francisco State University, initially as an offensive coach. His career has included positions with teams in Europe, the NCAA, the NFL, and one season in the CIS with the University of British Columbia.
Making the jump from the CFL back into the university scene has the fifty-five year old enthused.
"I've had a lot of fortune with my time in the CFL and have experienced success at that level. But getting to know the game in Canada, I recognized that the level of football offered at the CIS is what interests me. Getting back to the CIS has been a goal of mine for a long time."
Etcheverry will officially begin work with the Gee-Gees on June 4. The 2012 OUA regular season begins on Labour Day Monday, September 3 when the Gee-Gees will travel to Windsor.
Gary Etcheverry's Coaching Résumé:
2008-11- Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) - Defensive Line - Defensive Coordinator
2006 - South Fraser Rams (Canadian Junior Football) - Offensive Coordinator
2005 - University of British Columbia (CIS) - Defensive Line & Special Teams Coordinator
2004 - Ottawa Renegades (CFL) - Defensive Line & Linebackers - Defensive Coordinator
2002 - Toronto Argonauts (CFL) - Head Coach
2001 - British Columbia Lions (CFL) - Defensive Coordinator
2000 - Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) - Defensive Line & Linebackers - Defensive Coordinator
1997-99 - Toronto Argonauts (CFL) - Defensive Line - Defensive Coordinator
1996-97- University of San Diego (NCAA) - Offensive Line - Defensive Line
1996 - Stuttgart Scorpions (German 1st Division) - General Manager & Head Coach
1994-95 - University of Redlands (NCAA) - Defensive Line - Defensive Coordinator
1994 - Hamburg Blue Devils (German 1st Division) - Offensive Coordinator, Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator
1990-93 - Macalester College (NCAA) - Head Coach
1988 - Los Angeles Rams (NFL) - Special Assistant Coach, Special Teams & Defense
1982-89 - Occidental College (NCAA)
1980-81 - San Francisco State University (NCAA) - Assistant Coach, Outside Linebackers & Receivers
