After seven seasons at the University of Waterloo, Joe Paopao is returning to the CFL coaching ranks.
The university announced Thursday that Paopao – who joined the team as offensive co-ordinator in 2007 and spent 2012 and 2013 behind the bench as the Warriors’ head coach – has accepted a position with the B.C. Lions.
He will serve as an assistant coach focused on offense for the Lions and says one of the reasons behind accepting the position with the Lions is a desire to be closer to his family, who live in California.
It’s a return to Vancouver for Paopao, 59, who played for the Lions from 1978 to 1983, and again in 1990, and led the Lions to a 5-13 record as head coach in 1996.
“In some ways I’m excited (but) I’m also knowing that I have strong roots here in Waterloo Region,” he tells CTV News.
“We’re building something here. We’re growing our program. I wanted to see it through.”
Waterloo went a combined 3-13 during Paopao’s two seasons as head coach.
“We didn’t get to the top of the mountain, but it wasn’t like we didn’t run at the mountain and try to get up there,” he says.
Veteran Warriors assistant coach Marshall Bingeman will act as interim head coach until a permanent replacement is found.
Bingeman says Paopao’s contributions to the team will remain despite his departure.
“He’s instilled a sense of stability, a real sense of the importance of excellence,” he says.
Paopao’s CFL experience also includes four years at the helm of the Ottawa Renegades.
