Huskies football team hires head coach

Saint Mary's University has a new head football coach.

Halifax native Steve Sumarah will be returning to the Huskies program.

Sumarah previously served as head coach from 2006-2011. Prior to that, he was the team's offensive coordinator from 1998-2005.  

During those 14 seasons, SMU won 10 AUS Championships, played in five Vanier Cup Championships, and won two Vanier Cups (2001 and 2002).   

"It's a huge honour to be named head coach of the Saint Mary's Huskies," said Sumarah in a news release. "To get a chance to do what I love, in the city that I was born and raised, is an amazing opportunity."

"This is a school I went to; my dad and uncles went here. The history that my family has at Saint Mary's and in Halifax is very deep, and to be back here in this position is a very exciting moment for myself and my family."  

Following his last stint with SMU, Sumarah spent 10 seasons as head coach of the Carleton Ravens, where he coached that team to a 29-33 record. 

He has also been head coach of the Canada National Junior Football Team since 2016, and led Canada to a IFAF U19 World Junior Championship in 2018.   

Scott Gray, Saint Mary's director of athletics and recreation, says this is a pivotal time for the school's football program and he believes Sumarah is the right person to lead the team forward.