The University of Toronto is excited to announce that Tommy Kanichis has been hired as the full-time Varsity Blues football assistant coach and coordinator, effective February 26.

"Tommy is someone who epitomizes our culture of respect, trust and love," said Varsity Blues head coach Darrell Adams. "He cares for his players first and foremost and prioritizes creating meaningful and sustainable relationships.  He has a tireless work ethic and loves every aspect of the process.  He is a leader of people and enjoys recruiting, teaching and empowering student-athletes from all walks of life, putting them in the best position to be successful and helping them achieve their goals on and off the field.  Tommy is a welcome addition to our football program, I'm excited to work with him and can't wait to get started."

Kanichis comes to the Blues with a decade of experience on the sidelines. Most recently, he served as the Queen's Gaels halfbacks coach, offensive line assistant and recruiting coach during the 2023 season. Prior to that, Kanichis was the associate head coach, offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the Saint Mary's Huskies from 2020-23.

His other U SPORTS football stint came at the University of Waterloo, when he served as the running backs coach, offensive line assistant and scouting coordinator for the Warriors from 2017-20. Kanichis also served as the offensive coordinator for Team East at the 2022 U SPORTS East West Bowl.

"I am honoured and excited to be joining the Varsity Blues coaching staff," said Kanichis. "To be part of a program that is known for its strong history and traditions alongside an expectation of excellence is an opportunity that could not be passed. Being granted an opportunity to work alongside Coach Adams and the rest of the staff to lead the next generation of Blues athletes and alumni is an exciting opportunity that will not be taken lightly. We will work daily to inspire, motivate, cultivate and embrace excellence in all that we do from the classroom, on the campus, to the football field and professional life post graduation."

Kanichis earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Carleton University, while suiting up for the Ravens from 2013-16.