Football | 1/20/2025 1:00:00 PM

York University Athletics & Recreation announced Monday the hiring of Eli Haynes as the football program's special teams coordinator. 

Haynes comes to the Lions from the Okanagan Sun of the Canadian Junior Football League, where he has been an active member of one of the most successful programs in Canadian junior football. 

Haynes, who holds both a bachelor's degree in human kinetics and a masters of science in health and exercise science from UBC Okanagan, coached with the Sun in various capacities from 2019-2024. He most recently served as assistant head coach and has also held roles as the program's defensive coordinator, defensive backs coach, linebackers coach and defensive line coach. Over his time on the Sun staff, the team appeared in four straight Cullen Cup finals, winning the British Columbia Football Conference championship twice, and winning the 2022 Canadian Bowl as Canadian Junior Football League champions. 

During the offseason, Haynes, who played with the Sun from 2013-2017, has been an active member in the Okanagan football community. He helped co-found the Okanagan Football Academy in 2020, and providing local teenage athletes with strength and conditioning training, as well as the opportunity to play in 7-on-7 tournaments across western Cananda and the U.S. pacific northwest. 

Head coach Dexter Janke says Haynes' hiring will have an immediate influence on the program's culture. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Eli Haynes to the York Lions Football program as our new Special Teams Coordinator. Eli brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a relentless commitment to excellence that aligns perfectly with our vision for success," Janke said. "His proven track record of fostering player growth will be invaluable as we continue to elevate our program. We are confident that his expertise and leadership will make a significant impact both on and off the field." 

York Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation Steven Chuang says the hiring of Haynes will continue to move the program forward after a successful first season under Janke's leadership that saw the team come to within a game of the postseason. 

"The hiring of Eli Haynes is another innovative step for our football program under the guidance of head coach Dexter Janke," Chuang said. "I continue to believe that our program is heading in a great direction, and Eli brings a tremendous combination of tools and experience to the role. I'm extremely excited to see what he can do with our student-athletes." 

Haynes will officially assume his new position on Feb. 1.