Article content
University of Calgary Dinos football head coach Ryan Sheahan announced Friday that Ben D’Andrea has been hired as the team’s defensive coordinator.
“I’m very pleased to be able to bring Ben to our coaching staff,” Sheahan said. “He has proven success, as evidenced by his history as a defensive player and a defensive assistant. He has been a part of some great years at Queen’s University, first winning a Vanier Cup there as a player in 2009 and more recently coaching their special teams and their defensive backs.
Article content
“He is the perfect fit to help us in this all-important chapter in Dinos Football.”
Originally from Calgary, D’Andrea was coached by Sheahan while with the Queen’s Golden Gaels for four seasons from 2008-12.
“I’m really excited to be part of this organization,” D’Andrea said. “This has been a dream job for a long time. I know Coach Sheahan very well. We have a great relationship and I’m just looking forward to meeting the guys and getting down to work.
“The Dinos program history speaks for itself. The support that comes from the alumni and the community and how much people care about Dinos football is a big thing for me. And being back in the city of Calgary is definitely part of what makes this such a good fit for me.”
A graduate of Western Canada High School, D’Andrea has had a highly successful nine years coaching at Queen’s. The past three seasons alone, the Gaels have posted a combined record of 23-7.
Queen’s defensive unit has been one of the best not just in the OUA but in all of U SPORTS each of those last three seasons. They have boasted a top-10 defence each of those years, headlined by the 2021 campaign that saw the Gaels concede just three touchdowns in the regular season and average just 7.3 points against per game on the year – by far the top mark in the nation.
Article content
D’Andrea has also proven his success on the recruiting trail, helping bring in several key players to Queen’s, including Ashton Miller-Melancon. The third-year DB led the nation with 12 interceptions over the past three seasons and was named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian and a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian.
“Queen’s has had some great recruiting classes, a tremendous record, and one of the highest-ranked defences in the country the past few years,” Sheahan said. “I just see Ben as a riser in our sport and this is the next progressive step for him to take as a coach to come back home and help lead us back to the promised land.”
In addition to his time with Queen’s, D’Andrea has also coached in the East-West Bowl three times over his career, most recently in 2021.
D’Andrea had a decorated playing career at Queen’s, where he earned a bachelor of physical health and education (2012). He was a four-year starter at defensive back, helping the Gaels to the Vanier Cup in 2009. He was invited to the East-West Bowl in 2010 and the CFL Regional Combine in 2011. In 2012, he was named the recipient of the Hal McCarney Trophy as the Queen’s most dedicated player, finishing his playing career by helping the Gaels go 42-17 in his time on the field.
BEN D’ANDREA COACHING BIO
2014: Defensive & Special Teams Assistant & Linebackers Coach (Ottawa)
2015-2017: Defensive Assistant & Defensive Backs Coach (Queen’s)
2017-2023: Special Teams Coordinator & Defensive Assistant (Queen’s)
Share this article in your social network
