***UPDATED 11AM EST FEB 13/13***
The Ottawa Gee-Gees have hired Devin Murphy as the team’s new defensive coordinator.
Murphy played for University of Ottawa from 2001-2005 as a defensive back. After his playing career, he joined the Gee-Gees coaching staff, becoming a well-respected defensive backs coach the following season.
In 2008, he served three seasons as defensive backs coach with the Saint Mary’s Huskies before taking over as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2011. The highlight of Muphy’s tenure as SMU defensive coordinator was that the team’s defense ranked first in the nation for total yards allowed and total pass yards allowed. In each of his two seasons as defensive coordinator, the Huskies defense posted CIS top five statistics in those two categories. Under Murphy’s instruction. defensive backs have been All-Canadians in 10 times over a seven year span.
Murphy, who is an Ottawa native, also coached the defensive backs for Football Canada’s 2012 under-19 Junior National Team that won the gold medal at the IFAF Junior World Championship in Austin, Texas.
“He has a depth of knowledge and well thought-out ideas,” said Gee-Gees head coach Jamie Baressi of the hiring. “I think he’ll be a good communicator and a good teacher, which is the key thing I’m looking for.”
“There’s a passion for teaching and a passion for football.”
Soon after his hiring, Murphy issued the following statement:
“The University has shown a commitment to the football program, building a brand new stadium on campus, with new football offices and meeting rooms located onsite.”
“Coach Jamie Baressi is a winner with an incredible football background. I feel very fortunate to have been chosen for the job. I am looking forward to challenges that lie ahead.”
“After five years in the AUS, I am excited to be back in a conference with so many teams. Studying new offenses on film has been a real highlight. ”
“It’s amazing how many of my former Gee-Gee teammates still live in Ottawa. It is very motivating to be back in position to help this team. ”
“The only constant in football is change. Our defense will incorporate many of the same concepts that we used at SMU, but it will by no means be the same.”
““It is an exciting time for the Ottawa Gee Gees. With the new facilities, new Head Coach, and the return of the Carleton Ravens, there is nowhere that I would rather be.”
Luigi Costanzo continues to work full time with the team in the offseason helping to coordinate recruiting and winter training.
Coach Barresi continues to meet with and interview candidates for other coaching positions. Since he did not have people that he wanted to bring in with him when he was hired, he is taking his time to select the right people.
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