Harris replaces Buratto as Dinos Interim Head Coach

CALGARY – Longtime assistant coach Wayne Harris, Jr. will take over as interim head coach of the Dinos football team following the resignation of Steve Buratto, the University of Calgary announced Friday.

Harris, who has been an assistant coach with the Dinos for 16 seasons in three separate stints between 1989 and 2014, will provide overall leadership to the football program as the national search for a full-time head coach continues.

Buratto informed the Dinos of his inability to continue in the role earlier this week, due to personal reasons.

“I am disappointed not to be able to fulfill the interim head coaching duties, but some personal matters take priority for me at this time,” said Buratto. “I look forward to the possibility of working with the Dinos in the future and I wish the university the very best of luck in their search for a new head coach.”

“We understand and support Steve’s decision, and I am confident that Wayne Harris will provide the leadership our program needs during this transition period,” said Ron Wuotila, director of athletics.

“The University of Calgary football program has a tradition of excellence, and all of the ingredients are in place for continued success between the staff, the university, the athletic department, and the 5th Quarter association,” said Harris. “My immediate role will be to support recruiting, meet with current players as they begin off-season training, and work with our academic coordinator to ensure the academic success of our players. I am extremely confident the Dinos football program will continue to achieve excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.”

The son of Calgary Stampeders legend Wayne Harris, Sr., Harris starred as a two-sport athlete for the Dinos from 1977-81 in both football and wrestling. He was a three-time Canada West all-star at linebacker and added a conference wrestling title in 1980. He spent four seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Stampeders, B.C. Lions, and Toronto Argonauts before retiring in 1984, when he joined the Calgary Board of Education.

Over the course of his coaching career with the Dinos, Harris has been part of seven Hardy Cup championship teams and participated in four Vanier Cups, including the 1995 championship season under former head coach Peter Connellan.

He has been the Dinos’ defensive coordinator for the past four seasons and was head coach of the Calgary Colts from 1991-93. He also spent 25 years as a coach in Calgary high school football at Sir Winston Churchill, Henry Wise Wood, and William Aberhart.

More information will be provided as it becomes available

Source: Ben Matchett, Calgary Dinos Sports Information