The 2015 season will mark Coach Cluff’s 31st year of University Football; 30 with the Gryphon Football Program (25 years as a coach and 5 years as a player with the Gryphons). Coach Cluff will once again be coaching the Gryphon Defensive Line. In 2014, the Gryphon Defense was one of the leaders in the OUA in run defense and also one of the leaders in the country in QB sacks. Numerous Gryphon players have benefitted under Coach Cluff's leadership and coaching, most recently Cam Thorn (BC Lions), Jeff Finley (Montreal Alouettes) and Cam Walker (Toronto Argonauts).
Brian has also coached the defensive line with Team Ontario at the Canada Cup. In 2013 and 2015 Coach Cluff was in Texas coaching the defensive line for Team Ontario Selects vs. Team USA in the International Bowl. This year Team Ontario was victorious vs Team USA in the International match played at Dallas Cowboy Stadium.
Coach Cluff was the recipient of the “OUA Assistant Coach of the Year Award” and was also the winner at the National Level of the “Gino Fracas Award” as the CIS Assistant Coach of the Year. In addition, Coach Cluff was also recognized for his commitment and excellence to Athletics and Coaching by the University and was awarded the prestigious Dr. John T. Powell Award.
As a Gryphon Football Alumni, Brian was a 5 year starter and played Defensive End for the Gryphons from 1982-1986. He was a member of the 1984 Vanier Cup National Championship Team and was drafted in the CFL by the Toronto Argonauts in 1986. As a player Coach Cluff still holds the Gryphon Football Player Record for “Most Career Starts” at 50 games. Brian graduated from Guelph University with a Bachelor of Arts and received his Bachelor of Education Degree from Mount Allison University.
Coach Cluff is a NCCP certified coach and has presented at numerous football clinics and camps over the years. Brian teaches Physical and Health Education and Outdoor Education at Guelph Collegiate High School. Brian lives in Guelph and is married to Sue Knox and has a daughter Alexandra.
