Canadian defensive lineman Kwaku Boateng didn’t take long to land another job in football following his retirement from the CFL, joining his alma mater as a defensive line coach.
“We are extremely excited to add Kwaku to our coaching staff,” said head coach and manager of football operations Michael Faulds in a statement.
“Kwaku had one of the most impressive U Sports and CFL careers. When he recently retired, I quickly congratulated him and asked to meet. His addition will help our whole team greatly and our defensive line, in particular.”
The 28-year-old was selected in the fifth round of the 2017 CFL draft by the Edmonton Elks. He spent four seasons with the team, recording 83 total tackles, 25 sacks, and one forced fumble in 64 career games.
Boateng signed with the Ottawa Redblacks as a free agent in 2022 but missed the entire year with a torn Achilles he suffered in training camp. He joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023 but was released in June after being named a healthy scratch ahead of the club’s season-opening loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“I feel blessed and honoured to be back at Laurier. I still vividly remember my first day on campus back in 2013. There’s certainly something magical about this community,” said Boateng. “Working with impactful leaders, like Coach Faulds and Coach V, will definitely sharpen my leadership skills.”
Boateng was a two-time U Sports All-Canadian with the Golden Hawks. He played an integral role in the team’s 2016 Yates Cup championship, which was the program’s first in over a decade. Boateng remains the all-time career sack leader at Wilfrid Laurier.
The native of Milton, Ont. will coach the team’s defensive line alongside former teammate Trevaughan James.
