Mickey Donovan, a full-time assistant coach with The University of Western Ontario varsity football team, has stepped down due to personal reasons.
The Mustangs made the announcement Monday on the first day of training camp that Donovan was moving home to Laconia, New Hampshire to be closer to his family.
A two-time Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) All-Canadian and 2004 national defensive player of the year for Concordia University, Donovan joined head coach Greg Marshall’s staff prior to the 2007 season. The 30-year old has served as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator during his tenure with the Mustangs.
Since Donovan’s arrival, Western has become a defensive powerhouse and won the Yates Cup three times as Ontario University Athletics (OUA) champions, a fact not lost on Marshall.
“Mickey is a really special guy and I wish him nothing but the best,” says Marshall. “We have enjoyed great success together here at Western and he will be greatly missed by me, the staff and especially the players. But the football team will be fine. We have the depth to fill this departure. Right now, Mickey needs to do what’s best for Mickey.”
Thérèse Quigley, Western’s Director of Sports and Recreation Services, says, “Mickey is a great coach and a real genuine person who cares deeply for his players. He is well respected by his peers and there is no doubt he will be missed. We wish him the very best.”
Donovan, who also played NCAA Division 1-AA football with the New Hampshire Wildcats, is credited with landing several key recruits over the last few years including defensive tackle Vaughn Martin, who in April 2009, was the fourth-round draft pick to the NFL’s San Diego Chargers and linebacker John Surla, who was recently signed as a free agent by the Montreal Alouettes.
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