Legendary U Sports coach Greg Marshall retiring after 18 years at Western University

Photo: Western University

Greg Marshall has announced his retirement as the head coach at Western University.

The 66-year-old spent the past 18 years with the Mustangs, winning two Vanier Cups, nine Yates Cups, six David ‘Tuffy’ Knight Awards as the OUA Coach of the Year, and two U Sports Coach of the Year honours.

“I love what I do, but it’s the right time for me,” Marshall said in a statement. “I’ll have a chance to say my goodbyes and support the team through the transition before ending this chapter. I want to ensure I leave the Mustangs in a good spot.”

Marshall played fullback at Western from 1978 to 1981 under head coach Darwin Semotiuk, helping the team win three provincial titles. He was a two-time OUA all-star, the Most Valuable Player of the Yates Cup in 1980, and won the Hec Crighton Trophy the same year.

The native of Guelph, Ont. played three seasons with the Edmonton Football Team and won a Grey Cup in 1982, though his career was cut short by knee injuries. He returned to Western as a volunteer coach in 1985 and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 1992, a role he held for five seasons.

“Greg’s energy and passion for the game is like no other, but what makes him so special is how much he truly cares,” said director of sports and recreation Christine Stapleton.

“The hours he puts into planning and preparation are only matched by how much he looks out for his student-athletes, coaches and support staff. He truly bleeds purple, and we are so grateful for everything he has done for the program, our department and the university community.”

In 1997, Marshall became head coach of the McMaster Marauders and won four-straight Yates Cups. In 2004, he was hired as the head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and spent three seasons with the team, posting a 14-25-1 record with one playoff berth. He was the first Canadian-born and first U Sports coach to be named directly to a head coaching position within the CFL and was named the league’s Coach of the Year in 2004.

“When you first start coaching, you think it’s about winning,” Marshall said. “Part of your growth as a coach is realizing it’s something more than that. It’s about building a culture of caring for people, looking after them and being respectful and inclusive. Winning happens when you create that environment.”

“I always tell my players, ‘You’re going to win games, you’re going to lose games, and you’ll soon realize it’s just a game. It’s a sport,’ but what’s neat is you develop these amazing friendships because of your association with this sport. That’s what’s most important.”

As a player and coach, Marshall won four Vanier Cups, 23 Yates Cups, three U Sports Coach of the Year awards, seven OUA Coach of the Year awards, one Grey Cup, one CFL Coach of the Year award, and one Hec Crighton Trophy.

“As head coach for almost two decades, Greg has made a tremendous impact on Mustangs Football,” said Western University president Alan Shepard. “Beyond his dedication and love for the win, he shows incredible leadership on and off the field – our heartfelt thanks for his deep commitment to Western.”

Marshall will remain head coach until his replacement is recruited and plans to support the team through the transition. He and his wife, Joan, plan to travel and spend lots of time with their children and grandchildren.