Carleton Ravens fire head coach Corey Grant, three assistants

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

The Carleton Ravens have made sweeping changes to their football coaching staff after a disappointing season in Ontario University Athletics.

Head coach Corey Grant has been dismissed, as have offensive coordinator Nathaniel Griffith, defensive coordinator Ronald Hilaire, and recruiting coordinator and defensive assistant Alex Lothian.

The school indicated in a press release that they’re launching a national search for a new head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator to take the team in a new direction.

“I am thankful to Corey Grant for the role he played in building our football program and for the outstanding support he provided to our student-athletes over the past five years,” said Carleton associate vice-president of recreation and athletics Yolana Junco-Pascual in a statement.

“We are proud of the culture Corey established and the type of student-athletes he helped develop, both on and off the field. His commitment to community engagement, mentorship, and creating a supportive environment has had a meaningful impact on our program.

“Corey is a well-respected member of the football community, and we thank him for his dedication, care for our students, and the positive environment he helped create during his time with the Ravens. We wish him continued success in his future endeavours.”

The Ravens went 1-7 this season, with their lone victory coming over the winless Toronto Varsity Blues. The team was outscored 170-349 and finished tenth in the OUA standings.

Carleton went 5-3 under Grant in his first year at the helm in 2022, and qualified for the playoffs. The team made the postseason again in 2023 after going 4-4, but missed out in each of the last three years. In total, the Ravens went 15-25 under Grant.

Prior to his career in coaching, Grant had an 11-year as a receiver in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Montreal Alouettes, and Saskatchewan Roughriders. The native of Stoney Creek, Ont. was named the East Division’s nominee for Rookie of the Year in 1999 and won two Grey Cups.

The 49-year-old previously coached with the McMaster Marauders and Tiger-Cats, winning a Vanier Cup in 2011.