The University of Toronto Varsity Blues are proud to announce the appointment of Darrell Adams as its 27^th football head coach in program history.
 
Adams comes to the Blues after seven seasons as the Waterloo Warriors associate head coach, where he held the dual role of defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in rebuilding the football program, leading the team to its first playoff win in 18 years and securing playoff berths in four of the last five seasons.
 
"Darrell has an extensive track record in coaching, both at the U SPORTS and professional levels," said Mary Beth Challoner, director of intercollegiate athletics and high performance sport. "His commitment to performance management, personal development and team culture, along with his involvement in community outreach initiatives, set him apart as a leader both on and off the field. I have no doubt that our student-athletes will thrive under Darrell's leadership."
 
Prior to his time at the University of Waterloo, Adams served as the Carleton Ravens defensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator from 2013-16. There, he helped guide the team to the playoffs in just three years after a 15-year hiatus.
 
"I am blessed, humbled and beyond thrilled for the opportunity to be the head football coach at the University of Toronto," said Adams. "I look forward to adding another chapter in the schools rich, diverse and prosperous history by assisting in the growth of the program in all areas: academically, athletically and in the community. By creating a multilayered culture founded on three core principles of respect, trust and love, my primary aim is to help student-athletes from various socio-economic backgrounds achieve their goals on and off the field. I will do everything in my power to ensure that student-athletes who commit to the University of Toronto graduate in a timely fashion, have a robust experience, are equipped with the tools to thrive in life and win as many football games possible. I cannot wait to get started."
 
In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Adams has also worked with professional teams, including the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL, where he served as the strength conditioning coordinator and assistant defensive line coach from 2011-13. He also served as a guest coach for the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
 
As a player, Adams suited up for the Ti-Cats as a defensive tackle from 2007-10 after a stint on the New York Jets practice squad from 2006-07. In 2008, he had a stellar year, amassing 41 tackles and nine sacks. He played one more season with Hamilton before retiring just prior to the 2010 season.
 
Adams holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications, with a minor in marketing, from Villanova University.