Thursday, November 30, 2017
BURNABY, B.C. – Simon Fraser University Senior Director of Athletics and Recreation Theresa Hanson has announced that the university has chosen not to renew the contract of head football coach Kelly Bates after three winless seasons.
"We appreciate Kelly's contributions to Simon Fraser University and Clan Athletics," said Hanson. "He worked tirelessly to move the football program forward with a focus on overall student-athlete success."
"After evaluating the entire program, we felt it was in our best interest to look for new leadership. I am confident we can attract a highly qualified individual who will be able to help us achieve success on and off the field."
Recruiting coordinator Keenan North and assistant coach Quinn Courtney will continue to operate the program while the university searches for its next head coach.
Bates was named the 10th football coach in SFU history in February 2015 and he was 0-29 in three seasons. Seven student-athletes were drafted into the Canadian Football League during his tenure.
Bates replaced Jacques Chapdelaine, who went 2-9 in 2014, his only season as head coach. The only other head coach in SFU's NCAA era has been Dave Johnson, who was 12-29 in the Clan's first four seasons in NCAA.