Following Sunday's announcement that Gary Etcheverry had been relieved of his head coaching position, the University of Ottawa has confirmed the transitional coaching staff which will lead the team through the remainder of the OUA schedule. The staff includes the addition of several alumni of the program and one returning coach from the 2010-2011 seasons who have joined the existing coaching personnel.
"I'd like to commend the coaching staff that we have in place for their on-going and renewed commitment to this team and the student-athletes they are supporting," said Colin Timm, assistant director of programs with Sports Services. "The student-athletes and coaches are all in a position to work collaboratively to focus on moving forward."
On defence, Cory McDiarmid remains in his role as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. McDiarmid has held that role since joining the team for the 2011 season. Joel Lipinski remains in his role as defensive backs coach, while David Jackson will assume responsibility for the defensive front seven.
Marcus Adams, who played defensive tackle for eight seasons in the CFL, remains with the team but is seeing his role change. Adams had been working solely with the offensive linemen since joining the team in August; he will now work as an assistant coach for both the offensive and defensive lines.
Filling Adams' spot as the primary offensive line coach will be Kyle Kirkwood. Kirkwood played left tackle for four seasons with the Gee-Gees from 2003 to 2006, winning a Yates Cup with the team before being selected by the B.C. Lions in the 2007 CFL draft.
Other newcomers on the offensive coaching staff are also notable Gee-Gee alumni. All-Canadian receiver Cyril Adjeitey (2006-10), Matt Edgeworth (2003-07), and Tyler Aldercotte (2004-07) will join the team in part time capacities to work with the wide receivers. Aldercotte held the role of receivers coach during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Wayne Jacobs remains with the team as quarterbacks coach.
Corey Goff, who joined the Gee-Gees last season, continues as offensive coordinator. Rounding out the primary coaching staff, Luigi Constanzo will continue to oversee the Special Teams unit, while switching his secondary role from linebackers coach to the running backs. David Miller-Johnston is also continuing with the kickers.
"We have a strong team that wants to win," said fourth-year running back and offensive captain Brendan Gillanders. "The coaches in place now will enhance our ability to prepare and perform on game day, so the team is excited about the future starting with our game on Saturday."
The team was informed of the coaching structure at the beginning of their Monday evening film session. The team will practice from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, however athlete and coach media availability will restricted to between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise arranged through the sports information office.
Summary of transitional coaching staff (additions in bold, modifications in italics):
Offence:
Corey Goff - Offensive coordinator
Kyle Kirkwood - Offensive line
Marcus Adams - Offensive line assistant
Wayne Jacobs - Quarterbacks
Tyler Aldercotte, Cyril Adjeitey, Matt Edgeworth - Receivers
Luigi Costanzo - Running backs
Defence:
Cory McDiarmid - Assistant Head Coach and Defensive coordinator
Dave Jackson - Defensive front seven
Marcus Adams - Defensive line assistant
Joel Lipinski - Defensive backs
Special Teams:
Luigi Costanzo - Special Teams Coordinator
David Miller-Johnston - Kickers
