J.P. Asselin resigns as Head Coach of Gee-Gees Football Program

The University of Ottawa released today that Jean-Philippe Asselin has resigned after two years as the head coach of the Gee-Gees football program.

“This was a very difficult decision,” said Asselin, who plans to continue his coaching career by returning to a more technical coaching position. “I moved up through the ranks here and this was a special place for me to coach. The people I have coached with are dear friends and I am disappointed to leave them, but excited for the future.”

“The coaching staff here have been amazing and I have full confidence in them moving forward,” said Asselin, citing Chris Coulson, Corey McDiarmid, Luigi Constanzo, Corey Goff, David Jackson, and the rest of the coaching staff who have helped to bring in a top level recruiting class and develop an off-season training for returning players, which the outgoing coach expects will pay dividends. “Everyone here, the players especially, are working hard and I think 2012 is going to be a great season for the Gee-Gees.”

The Quebec City native led the Gee-Gees to the Yates Cup game in 2010 as interim head coach. His record in two seasons piloting the program was 12-4 in the regular season, and 1-2 in the OUA playoffs.

“J.P. has put in a tremendous amount of work and passion while representing the University of Ottawa,” noted Luc Gélineau, Director of Sports Services. “We are thankful for his contributions and he will always be a part of the Gee-Gee football program’s history.”

“I would like to thank Luc and the administration for the confidence they showed in me over the years,” said Asselin, who was a receiver with the Gee-Gees from 2003 to 2006. After graduating from the University of Ottawa with a bachelor's degree in economics in 2007, Asselin served as an assistant coach and receivers coach with the Gee-Gees until his promotion to interim head coach in March 2010.

Gélineau and Sports Services are already in discussions to select an interim head coach for the 2012 football season and expect to name their selection within the next two weeks. A search for a full time head coach will be conducted following the season.

Source: uOttawa Athletics