After spending the past five seasons serving as head coach of the University of Guelph football program, Ryan Sheahan's time with the Gryphons has come to an end following the announcement on Friday (Dec. 15, 2023) that Sheahan has accepted the head coaching position at the University of Calgary.
 
"We want to thank Ryan for his significant contributions at U of G as the head coach of our football team and wish him well in his next chapter," said University of Guelph, Director of Athletics Scott McRoberts. "We appreciate his time and efforts towards guiding this team through the past five years including through a very difficult time during the pandemic."
 
Sheahan took over as head coach of the Gryphon football program back in 2019, and over the course of his four seasons of *on-field action with the Gryphons (*with the 2020 season cancelled due to COVID), Sheahan twice led the Gryphons to the OUA semifinal stage (2019 & 2021) while posting a cumulative regular season record of 13-17. 
 
Prior to arriving at the University of Guelph, the Montreal native spent four seasons (2015-18) at the University of Calgary where he served as the Dinos Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator.

The Gryphons are pleased to announce that current associate coach Mark Surya has been named as the new head coach of the football team. Surya has been with the Gryphons since 2019 and previously held roles with Laurier and Toronto as their offensive coordinator. He becomes the 18th head coach in the history of the Gryphon football program. Surya earned his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Queen's University and MSc in Kinesiology from Wilfrid Laurier University. 

"We are excited to announce Mark as our new head coach," said McRoberts. "We are fortunate to be getting a coach of his character, coaching acumen, recruiting experience, ability to develop young student-athletes to their full potential and a familiarity with our University, which makes him a perfect match. I look forward to watching his leadership as he guides our Gryphon student-athletes into a new era."

"I am truly honoured for this opportunity to lead the Gryphon football program," Surya said. "The last five years have laid the foundation for the program, and I look forward to building on the current success and working towards creating an outstanding experience for the student-athletes."
 
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Mark Surya Bio: 

Coaching Career:
2019-present:  Offensive Coordinator (Guelph Gryphons)
2017-18:  Offensive Coordinator (Toronto Varsity Blues)
2013-16:  Offensive Coordinator & Receivers Coach (Laurier Golden Hawks) 

Additional Coaching:
2016:  U SPORTS East West Bowl (Offensive Coordinator)
2015:  U SPORTS East West Bowl (Receivers Coach)
 
Playing Career:
2006-09:  Queen's Gaels, Receiver (won Vanier Cup with Queen's in 2009)
2010-11:  Laurier Golden Hawks, Receiver