Bryan Gorman has been named the interim head coach of the Canisius High School varsity football team for the 2021 season. Coach Gorman steps up into the varsity role after leading the Crusaders JV team to a 58-12 record over the last nine seasons. He takes over a varsity squad that captured a second consecutive Monsignor Martin championship this spring, the team’s third league title in four years.

Gorman played football at SUNY Cortland where he earned his bachelor’s in physical education/health. He also holds a master’s in physical education/health from Canisius College. Prior to becoming the Canisius JV football coach, Gorman served as an assistant coach with the Canisius varsity football team for six years.

“Being a part of the Canisius football program the last 15 years has been a great experience for me and my family,” says Gorman. “I’m grateful for the successful blueprint left by Coach Rich Robbins and I’m excited to take on this new challenge. I’d like to thank Canisius for allowing me the opportunity to carry on the tradition.”

Last fall, Gorman didn’t know if he’d ever coach again. He was involved in a serious accident while he was riding his bicycle. “I spent 11 days in the intensive care unit. I am lucky to be alive,” says Gorman who returned to the football sidelines this spring after months of recovery. He’s also returned to his full-time job as an adaptive physical education teacher with Erie 2 BOCES.

“Bryan has shown tremendous growth as a coach during his time here at Canisius,” says Canisius Director of Athletics Jim Mauro. “His familiarity with our players, coaches and overall workings of our program will allow us to move along in a steady fashion in 2021.”

Former head coach Rich Robbins announced last month that he was stepping down and moving to Florida after leading the Crusaders for the last ten seasons, compiling a 78-29 record, including three state championships and two undefeated seasons.