Etcheverry and most of staff to be fired today (Press release added 1:30pm)

A source close to the team has confirmed that Gary Etcheverry and most of his staff will be released today. Three current coaches will be retained. Those three are special teams coordinator Luigi Costanzo, defensive back coach Joel lipinski, and quarterback coach Wayne Jacobs (three pictured here).

An ‘interim head coach’ will not be named to replace ‘interim head coach’ Etcheverry. However a general manager will be put in place for the last few games. Niam El-Far, former Gee-Gee offensive lineman (2006 Russ Jackson winner) and former assistant coach will take over the reigns of managing the team.

A handful of coaches that coached in 2011 (but were not called back this year) will return to the sidelines for the last 3 games.

The move does not come as a surprise after a 6-hour mediation session with Ottawa administration, coaches, and team leaders last Tuesday. The team changed from the Etcheverry implemented ‘double-wing’ and reverted back to the ‘spread’ offense after the mediation session. Luc Gelinas, the Gee-Gees athletic director who hired Etcheverry, was not in attendance as he was on vacation last week.

Ottawa has had trouble attracting good candidates (and holding on to coaches – JP Asselin) because of the lack of financial support and competitive coaching salary levels as compared to other OUA/CIS teams. The new Carleton Ravens have already exposed some of Ottawa’s issues, hiring 3 former Gee-Gees coaches in the last 4 months (J.P. Asselin, Chris Coulson, Josh Sacobie).

PRESS RELEASE ADDED AT 1:30PM

The University of Ottawa has released interim head football coach Gary Etcheverry, effective Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Meetings are underway to finalize the coaching leadership structure which will guide the team through the remainder of the OUA football schedule.

“This is a change that we do not take lightly in any way,” said Colin Timm, Assistant Director of Programs for Sports Services. “We need to ensure that we are putting ourselves in a position to move this program forward. It had become apparent that in order to do so we needed to take this action.”

The University does not expect to name a replacement head coach immediately. Rather, the University will be recruiting a full-time head coach to lead the Gee-Gees football program for the long term. The position of head football coach will be posted in the coming weeks, with an anticipated closing date closely following the conclusion of the Grey Cup and Vanier Cup festivities. These plans were underway prior to today’s announcement as part of Sports Services’ long-term strategic planning process.

A second release will follow when the short term coaching leadership structure has been solidified. The staff is expected to be composed largely of current coaches who will remain in place, in addition to former staff and alumni who have been invited to join the team.

Players and team administration will be available for comment through the Sports Information Office.