Coach Nill: Fielding Dreams

Coach Nill: Fielding Dreams

The UBC Department of Athletics and Recreation welcomed Blake Nill as the 18th head coach of the UBC Thunderbirds football program. He officially hit the field January 5, 2015.

One of the most successful coaches in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) football, Nill joined the Thunderbirds after nine years as head coach of the Dinos at the University of Calgary and eight seasons as head coach of the Huskies at Saint Mary’s University.

In 17 seasons as a CIS head coach, Nill has a career record (regular season and playoffs) of 130-47.

“I made the move to UBC because I was ready for a new experience and I love to build programs,” says Nill, who takes over the UBC program that finished out of the CIS playoffs in 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

Nill’s says it was a “difficult decision” to leave Calgary and its university’s football team and head out for Vancouver and the UBC Thunderbirds sports teams.

Still, he’s “ready for a new challenge and a fresh start. I’m going to need some time, but the building blocks are in sight at UBC and I am very excited about the program’s future.”

UBC Managing Director of Athletics and Recreation Ashley Howard notes: “Coach Nill has a proven track record at the CIS level, not only in his results on the field, but in his leadership skills and his ability to engage with staff, alumni, partners, and most importantly, the student-athletes.”

Many more touchdowns definitely appear to be on the UBC horizon.

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The UBC Dept. of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce Blake Nill as the 18th head coach of the UBC Thunderbirds football program.

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Photo Credit: Dan Elliot

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