Warriors hire Hagins as assistant coach

WATERLOO, Ont. – The Waterloo Warriors football program is thrilled to announce the hiring of Joe Hagins as assistant football coach/defensive coordinator.  Hagins brings a wealth of football coaching and playing experience to the black and gold and will undoubtedly make an immediate impact to Waterloo’s defence.

“Joe is not only a great defensive coach and communicator, but possesses outstanding qualities as a leader of young men,” mentioned interim head coach Marshall Bingeman.  “He is passionate about positive coaching on and off the field.  We are very happy to have a man of his character and inspiration as part of the Waterloo Football program.”

Hagins is no stranger to OUA football having coached the Guelph Gryphons for three seasons (2006-2008) in several different capacities including working with the wide receivers and special teams unit.  He also had a stint in the CFL as a defensive assistant and special teams coach in 2009 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the same team he won a grey cup with as a player in 1999.

Hagins played three seasons as an outside linebacker with the Ticats 71 defensive tackles and retired after sitting out the 2000 season with a shoulder injury.  Prior to joining the CFL, Hagins enjoyed a four-year collegiate career at Purdue (1993-1996), where he played as a linebacker, safety, running back and kick returner.  In his rookie season, Hagins was named the Purdue Freshman Athlete of the year.  Most recently Hagins has worked as a defensive coordinator/special teams coach for the Hamilton Ironmen of the Ontario Varsity Football League (2012) and assistant coach for the Canada Prep Football Academy.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity that lies ahead with the Warriors,” mentioned Hagins.  “There is a lot of great talent on this team and I look forward to working with these dedicated and motivated student-athletes for years to come.”

(Source:  Dan Ackerman)