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Clan head coach leaves football team

Former Simon Fraser University alumnus cites other career options as reasons for resignation
Jacques Chapdelaine
SFU are in the market for a new football coach following the resignation of Jacques Chapdelaine after less than a year in the program's top job

Jacques Chapdelaine is stepping down as head coach of the Simon Fraser University varsity football team after less than a year at the helm.

Chapdelaine took over the head coaching duties from Dave Johnson, who was dismissed in November of last year after a 3-7 season and with an overall record of 18-46 after seven years as the Clan head coach.

The reason for Chapdelaine’s resignation was so the former Clan alumnus could entertain other career options, according to an SFU press release.

“Today, I accepted Jacque’s resignation so that he could pursue other options,” said Milton Richards, SFU senior director, athletics and recreation.

A former national football star, Chapdelaine played for the Clan in the 1980s before moving on to a seven-year career in the Canadian Football League where he starred as a slotback with the B.C. Lions, as well as Hamilton, Montreal and Calgary.

When Chapdelaine was hired, he was touted as a top coaching recruit and one that could lead SFU football to new heights on the field and in the classroom. He was brought in as the kind of leader who could achieve the goals the SFU football program has set for itself.

“I am very pleased at the opportunity to come back to coach at the collegiate level,” said Chapdelaine in a February press release. “I am exited at the chance to work with student athletes again and being able to do so at my alma mater is an excellent fit.”

But after 11 months that excitement appears to have worn off.

This season, Chapdelaine coached the Clan to an overall 2-9 record, with both wins coming in conference play.

Attendance at Swangard Stadium also took a dive as the season moved into November, with less than 700 spectators a game coming out to support the Clan, including a dismal 375 spectators who witnessed a 33-17 defeat to Humboldt State.