Former CFL coach Marcel Bellefeuille joins UFL Omaha Nighthawks
August 27, 2012 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Omaha Nighthawks News Release
OMAHA, Aug. 27 - The Omaha Nighthawks have added former Canadian Football League coach Marcel Bellefeuille as a wide receivers coach.
Bellefeuille previously was the head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL from 2009 to 2011. He led the Tiger-Cats to three playoff appearances during that time and helped the team secure its first playoff victory in 10 years in 2011.
Before joining the staff in Hamilton as the offensive coordinator in 2008, Bellefeuille served as the running backs and wide receivers coach for the Montreal Alouettes in 2006. During that season, Bellefeuille coached Robert Edwards to a league-high 17 touchdowns. Montreal was the only team in the CFL with two 1,000-yard receivers in 2006. Bellefeuille was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2007.
Bellefeuille also was the offensive coordinator of the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2001 to 2005. His coaching career began in 1995 when he was hired as an assistant head coach at the University of Ottawa. After being promoted to head coach in 1998, he was named OQIFC Coach of the Year in 1999. In 2000, he led the Gee-Gees to a national championship title.
Although he enjoyed a lot of success north of the border, Bellefeuille is eager to return to the American game.
"I'm excited to get back to the 11-man game," he said. "I really like the idea of this league and its vision for growth in the future."
Nighthawks head coach Bart Andrus, who was the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts during Bellefeuille's tenure at Hamilton, is thrilled to add someone with so much CFL experience to the Nighthawks coaching staff.
"I have a lot of respect for him and for the accomplishments he had in Canada," Andrus said. "He gives us a different perspective and a different opinion, which is pretty valuable to our organization."
Andrus said Bellefeuille's knowledge of CFL personnel will work to the Nighthawks' advantage.
"He has coached several years in the CFL and knows the players that have come in and out of that league," Andrus said. "A lot of the players that are in the CFL are guys who want to play in the UFL because it gives them an easier avenue of getting back into the NFL."
The Nighthawks open the 2012 season at home Friday, Sept. 21, against the Virginia Destroyers.
United Football League Stories from August 27, 2012
- UFL Omaha Nighthawks add three to business team - Omaha Nighthawks
- Former CFL coach Marcel Bellefeuille joins UFL Omaha Nighthawks - Omaha Nighthawks
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