Two weeks after Chris Morris was named the President and CEO of the Edmonton Elks, the process has begun to find the next head coach of the Golden Bears Football program. 

Led by Director of Athletics Leah Pezer, the University of Alberta will be searching for a coach capable of leading and sustaining a high-performance football program, and has the ability to attract and retain the best student-athletes in Canada. Not only is on-field performance a focal point of the search, but so too is finding a coach responsible for creating a team culture that reflects the UofA's values including the holistic development of the student-athletes, engagement of alumni, and a program that positively contributes to the greater community.

"We're thrilled to open the search for the next head coach of Golden Bears Football; someone who shares our vision for a winning program and prioritizes the growth and success of our student-athletes as people, players, and leaders," said Pezer. "Golden Bears Football has a proud tradition, and we're committed to finding the right person to build on that foundation and take us to the next level." 

The position will include traditional coaching duties, and also includes program planning, development and logistics, technical research and development, financial management, generation and stewardship of annual revenues, operating programming and sport camps, alumni development, public relations, athlete evaluation, and the supervision and/or mentorship of assistant coaches. 

"As tough as it was to see Chris [Morris] move on from our program, we could not be more excited for him. He moved mountains to get our program where it is today, and we could not be more appreciative," said Dylan Niedermaier, President of the Bears Football Alumni Association. "We are excited for the future of Golden Bears Football, and where the next coach will take us." 

The Bears have qualified for the post-season in three of the last five seasons, highlighted by a 6-2 record and Hardy Cup appearance in 2023. The Bears have captured 18 Canada West Championships in their storied history, and four national championships. Over the last 12 years, 19 Golden Bears were selected in the Canadian Football League Draft. 
 

---

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.