OTTAWA - The University of Ottawa is proud to announce that Dr. Jamie Barresi has been hired as the Head Coach and Program Manager for the Gee-Gees football program. The uOttawa alumnus brings a wealth of coaching experience at the NCAA and CFL levels in combination with an extensive academic background which makes him a unique commodity in CIS football.
Barresi returns to uOttawa after a long absence, but is aware that many things remain from his days as a student. He played four seasons at quarterback with the Gee-Gees from 1976 to 1979, including a trip to the national semifinal in 1976. "When I played here there was a real swagger and confidence," recounted Barresi. "There was an expectation - we felt it was our right to be in the championship. The Gee-Gees still have that expectation."
He earned his undergraduate degrees from uOttawa in Kinanthropology in 1980, and Education in 1982. He also holds a Master of Science degree from Penn State and a Master of Arts degree in Sport Administration from the University of Florida. Finally, Barresi completed his doctorate in exercise and sports science from Penn State in 1992, specializing in motor learning and control.
"My academic background gives me a perspective and an appreciation for what the term student-athlete really means," commented Barresi. "I've worked in programs where it was always preached and I grasped onto the spirit of that idea - it resonated with me very much. I liked what I saw and thought that if I ever had the chance to build a program that's how it should be."
"We're very fortunate to have someone who demonstrates the strong academic values of our institution. Jamie sees that the academic environment is an important part of a football program," commented Luc Gélineau, Director of Sports Services. He continued, "Jamie brings not only the best practices from established academic institutions, but also important respect from his links to CFL-level talent identification and development."
The Hamilton, Ont. native began his coaching career with the Gee-Gees as part of the 1981-83 coaching staffs. He then spent twenty seasons coaching in the NCAA at such notable football programs as Penn State, Florida, and Wake Forest, before returning to Canada.
Barresi joined the CFL coaching ranks as the offensive coordinator of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2004. Since then he has coached on the offensive side of the ball for the B.C. Lions, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he guided the team to the 2011 Grey Cup as the offensive coordinator. He comes to uOttawa from the Edmonton Eskimos, where he served as the run game coordinator this past season.
"He is a very technically focussed coach - I believe that he will have instant credibility with the players in terms of explaining and developing the game. He is ready to take what we have at the moment and bring another level of sophistication," said Gélineau.
During his time in the NCAA, Barresi coached All-Americans and conference record setters, in addition to making contacts in the coaching fraternity which now include members of NFL staffs. Other highlights include going to the Orange Bowl national championship game with Penn State in 1986 and winning the Aloha Bowl with Wake Forest in 1999. Barresi also participated in the Fiesta Bowl and the Holiday Bowl while at Penn State. During two seasons at Florida, Barresi coached All-American receiver Ricky Nattiel, who was drafted in the first round by the Denver Broncos.
"I expect the players to be a group of fighters on the field - I won't put up with anything less," said Barresi. "This will be an intelligent, respectful, and resilient team but they will be fighters first and foremost."
Today's press conference is available on YouTube.
Jamie Barresi's Coaching History
2012 - Edmonton Eskimos (CFL) - Run Game Coordinator
2010-11 - Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL) - Offensive Coordinator
2009 - Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) - Quarterbacks Coach
2008 - Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) - Running Backs Coach
2007 - BC Lions (CFL) - Wide Receivers Coach
2006 - BC Lions (CFL) - Running Backs Coach
2004-05 - Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) - Offensive Coordinator
2001-03 - University of Central Florida (NCAA) - Quarterbacks Coach
1993-2000 - Wake Forest (NCAA) - Receivers, Quarterbacks Coach
1988-92 - Penn State (NCAA) - Receivers Coach
1986-87 - University of Florida (NCAA) - Receivers Coach
1984-85 - Penn State (NCAA) - Graduate Assistant
1981-83 - University of Ottawa (CIS) - Assistant Coach
