Paopao leaves Waterloo for CFL

WATERLOO, Ont – Joe Paopao, head coach of the University of Waterloo Warrior Football program, is taking a new position as an assistant coach with BC Lions.

Paopao has spent seven seasons on the Warrior coaching staff and was named head coach in February 2013 after serving as interim head coach during the 2012 campaign. Before taking the top job, Paopao was the offensive coordinator and signal caller for the black and gold.

“I would like to personally thank the University of Waterloo for allowing me the opportunity to mentor the student-athletes, past and present, in its football program,” said Paopao. “To the staff, support staff, student body, community and especially our student-athletes, a profound and heartfelt thank you for making my time here at Waterloo a very memorable one. My family and I are looking forward to the next chapter in our lives.”

Paopao’s move is a return to his football roots. He began his playing career as quarterback for the Lions in 1978, where he led the Lions in passing for three seasons and set a CFL record in 1979 for most pass completions in a single game. Paopao enjoyed a 12-year career in the CFL before becoming a highly respected coach in the league. He is a member of the BC Lions Wall of Fame and was inducted into the Long Beach State Hall of Fame in 2007.

“We would like to thank Joe for his leadership and mentorship he brought to our student-athletes and football program over the past seven seasons,” said Christine Stapleton, associate director of athletics at Waterloo. “His professional approach to football on and off the field will be truly missed and we wish Joe all the best with the Lions.”

Marshall Bingeman, assistant coach, is appointed interim head coach and director of football operations.  Bingeman has spent 23 years on the coaching staff of the Warriors. This is the second time in his coaching career he has been named interim head coach. In 2006 Bingeman took over for Chris Triantafilou.