Tracey joins Blue Bombers coaching staff

KINGSTON – Queen’s University Athletics & Recreation announces that longtime assistant coach/defensive coordinator Pat Tracey has signed a contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He will be their new Special Teams Coordinator.

“The departure of Pat Tracey for Winnipeg is a bittersweet moment for all associated with Queen’s Football.  Pat has been a dedicated member of the Queen’s football program ever since he arrived here in the summer of 2000. His ability to prepare the defensive players each and every week was second to none. He is a competitive person who demands much of himself and those around him. He has made a significant contribution to all aspects of the program and will leave big shoes to fill as the leader of the Queen’s defense,” says Pat Sheahan, Head Football Coach, Queen’s University.

Tracey joined Queen’s in 2000 as Special Teams Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, and moved to his current post in 2001, becoming a full-time assistant to Coach Sheahan in 2008. Tracey is recognized nationally and internationally as a defensive specialist. As a result of his defensive expertise the Gaels are perennially recognized as having one of the top defenses in the CIS He ends his time with 113 career wins as a CIS defensive coordinator.

Tracey has mentored many exceptional defensive players during his time at Queen’s, including four CIS award winners, eight OUA award winners, 46 conference All-Stars and 20 CIS All-Canadians.  He has coached the East team in recent CIS East-West Bowl games, serving as DB coach in 2003, Defensive Coordinator in 2004, and Special Teams coordinator in 2005, 2007 and 2008. Tracey was the Special Teams Coach for Canada at the 2007 Global Football Championship, held during the week of Super Bowl XLI, which the Canadians won for the third straight year. In 2009, he guided the Gaels defense to a Vanier Cup championship, as they finished as the top defense within the OUA. In 2011, the Gaels defense did not concede a single rushing touchdown in the regular season.

“I am particularly pleased to have shared the 2009 Vanier Cup Championship with Pat. We had many memorable moments during that season and for the time being, this stands as the crowning achievement for the football program at Queen’s during our years.  On behalf of all who have been associated with our program here at Queen’s, I wish Coach Tracey, his wife Denise and their two daughters Devon and Darby  much success in their collective futures and I thank them whole heartedly for their contribution to our team’s success during their time here,” commented Sheahan.

“I’d like to thank Queen’s Head Football Coach Pat Sheahan and Athletic Director Leslie Dal Cin for their leadership and for providing me the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious university. I believe the Gaels program is one of the elite in the CIS, and I am proud and thankful of the players for that.  I am leaving a program that has earned the respect of other CIS programs, coaches and fans, a team that will continue to challenge for the Yates Cup.  The last decade produced the most wins in school history and has seen many talented players set new school and conference records as well as go on to CFL careers. It has been a pleasure to work with some of the premier coaching talent in the CIS: Bob Vespaziani, Leroy Blugh, Bob Howes, Phil Roberts, Ryan Bechmanis and to learn from coaching icons such as, Doug Hargreaves, Berkley Brean and Gord McLellan.

Denise and I have shared immense personal joy through our friendships with the Queen’s Football family and want to say a special thank you to the families of Hal McCarney, John Miniaci and John Ashley.

I am extremely excited to be coaching in the CFL and for the opportunity to work with two of my former players, Head Coach Michael O’Shea and GM Kyle Walters. I can’t wait to get started with the Bombers organization,” ended Pat Tracey.

“Pat has a wealth of experience in Canadian football, is a great teacher and has had tremendous success at Queens. His knowledge of CIS athletes will be an asset.  We are very excited to add him to our coaching staff,” said Blue Bomber Head Coach Mike O’Shea.

Tracey has previously worked in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as Special Teams Coach in 1998, on a staff led by CFL legend Ron Lancaster. Hamilton advanced to the Grey Cup with his assistance, losing the championship on a heart-breaking, last-second field goal by the Calgary Stampeders.

Queen’s will commence the search for the new Assistant Coach – Defensive Coordinator immediately.

Photo Credit:  Michael P Hall