June 1, 2018 | Football

Concordia University Director of Recreation and Athletics D’Arcy Ryan is pleased to announce Brad Collinson has accepted the position of head coach of the Stingers football program and will begin his duties on June 11.

The 39-year-old native of St. Bruno, Que. returns to his alma mater after an eight-year absence. Collinson started as a part-time assistant coach with the Stingers in 2004. He moved up to a full-time coaching role serving as the assistant offensive co-ordinator and recruiting co-ordinator for three years (2007-10).

Collinson also suited up as a centre and long snapper with the Stingers for three seasons, beginning in 2000. He was a team captain and a two-time recipient of the Hal McCarney Trophy as Concordia’s top offensive lineman.

“It’s always been a dream of mine and a goal to be a head coach,” he said. “To be able to come back and do that at your alma mater is special.

“I’m looking forward to leading these young men and to continuing the work done in the past.”

Collinson signed as a free agent with the Montreal Alouettes in the spring of 2003. He played 18 regular season games as a long snapper. He also took part in many of the Alouettes' community programs.

“I’m pleased that such an accomplished coach and quality individual was available to step in and take over the leadership of the Stingers’ football program,” Ryan said. “Having played and coached at Concordia, he has an exceptional understanding of the student-athlete experience.”

Collinson’s coaching résumé includes two years as the head coach of Football Canada’s U18 team, four years as head coach of Team Québec and seven seasons with the Laval Rouge et Or as running back coach, recruiting co-ordinator and in an academic support role. During that time, he won two International Bowl titles, four gold medals at Canada Cup and four Vanier Cup championships.

He graduated from Concordia with a BA, major in Leisure Sciences, in 2005.