CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos announced Thursday that Wayne Harris has retired as head coach of the Dinos football program, effective immediately.

Harris, the sixth head coach in the history of Dinos Football, was appointed on February 12, 2015, and compiled a 41-21 record over nine seasons.

"We are grateful to Wayne for his dedication over 45 years of association with the Dinos Football program," stated Dinos director of athletics Ben Matchett. "From a student-athlete, position coach, coordinator to head coach, he has conducted himself with the utmost integrity and respect, and his leadership led to our fifth Vanier Cup in 2019. We thank him for his years of service to the program and wish him and his family all the best."

Harris' accolades include winning the Canada West Coach of the Year award three times, as well as being named the national coach of the year in his debut season as head coach.

Under his leadership, the Dinos won Hardy Cup championships in 2016, 2017, and 2019 and made a Vanier Cup appearance in 2016. In 2019, Harris led the Dinos to their fifth national championship, joining Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee Peter Connellan as the only Dinos coaches to lead the program to Vanier Cup titles.

Before his distinguished coaching career, Harris was a two-sport athlete for the Dinos from 1977-81 in both football and wrestling. He served as an assistant coach between 1989 and 2014 and was defensive coordinator from 2011-14.

Matt Berry, assistant head coach and defensive coordinator, will serve as interim head coach while a national search for a new head coach occurs.

-UC-