Ottawa Sooners Head Coaching History
A legacy of leadership. Coaches who built the standard.
From 1960 to today, our head coaches have shaped generations of champions. Each leader brought their unique vision, dedication, and passion to build the Ottawa Sooners tradition of excellence on and off the field.
Kevin Ling
2022–2025
Brian Kilrea Coaching Excellence, 2022
OFC Coach of the Year, 2022
Wayne Jacobs
2019–2020
Geoff Graham
2016–2018
John Buck
2014–2015
Andy McEvoy
2009–2011
Mike McCarthy
2003–2008
Barry Gregory
2001–2002
Carlo Disipio
2000
Mark Damiano
1998–1999
Frank Farinaccio
1996–1997
Mike Morris
1995
Wayne Giardino
1994
Greg Marshall
1991–1993
CJFL Coach of the Year, 1991
Later had a successful career as a university coach, winning multiple OUA Coach of the Year awards and a Vanier Cup.
Bob Stephen
1989–1990
Denis Benoit
1988
Chris Thompson
1987
Bob St. George
1985–1986
Ontario Football Conference Coach of the Year, 1986
Led the team to an exceptional 18-2 regular season record over two years (1985-1986).
Jim Daley
1982–1984
Went on to coach professionally in the CFL, including a Grey Cup win as a special teams coordinator.
Ace Powell
1976–1981
Gene Robillard
1975
Jim Chiarelli
1972–1974
Coached the 1974 Ottawa Sooners team that was honored as the 2024 Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame Honoured Team for achieving their first national junior football title.
Matt Anthony
1971
Don Holtby
1967–1970
Served two terms as head coach (1962-1964 and 1967-1970). Later became general manager of the Ottawa Rough Riders and president/head coach of the Sooners.
Jock Simpson
1966
Jack Donaghy
1965
Don Holtby
1962–1964
Served two terms as head coach (1962-1964 and 1967-1970). Later became general manager of the Ottawa Rough Riders and president/head coach of the Sooners.
Bruce Hamilton
1960–1961
Missing from our records?
If you coached the Sooners and don't see your name listed, please contact us so we can update our records and honor your contribution to our legacy.
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