There will be a new, but familiar face, leading the charge on the sideline for the Guelph Gryphons next fall.
Ryan Sheahan has left the university football program, and heading west to coach the Calgary Dinos.
Mark Surya, who has been the offensive coordinator throughout Sheahan’s tenure at U of G – which started in 2019 – takes over the head coaching position.
"I am truly honoured for this opportunity to lead the Gryphon football program," Surya said in a news release. "The last five years have laid the foundation for the program, and I look forward to building on the current success and working towards creating an outstanding experience for the student-athletes."
Surya brings a lengthy resume in the university football ranks, dating back to his days as a receiver at Queen’s and Laurier. Surya won a Vanier Cup as a receiver at Queen’s in 2009.
He was Laurier’s offensive coordinator and receivers coach between 2013 and 2016, before moving on to the Toronto Varsity Blues for a couple seasons as its offensive coordinator.
Scott McRoberts, U of G’s director of athletics, said in a release in Surya, the team is getting a coach with “character, coaching acumen, recruiting experience ability to develop young student-athletes to their full potential and a familiarity with our university, which makes him a perfect match.”
Sheahan has a history with Calgary. He was the team’s assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for four seasons, before he took the job in Guelph in 2019.
"We want to thank Ryan for his significant contributions at U of G as the head coach of our football team and wish him well in his next chapter," McRoberts stated. "We appreciate his time and efforts towards guiding this team through the past five years including through a very difficult time during the pandemic."
