Donnavan Carter begins his 7th season as the Gryphons special teams coordinator since being named to the position back in March of 2019. In December of 2023, Carter was also named the associate head coach of the Gryphon football program.
In his first season as special teams coordinator at Guelph, the Gryphons excelled, highlighted by three kick returns for touchdowns from U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian return specialist, Clark Barnes. During the 2021 season, Coach Carter's special teams units continued to excel, led by a pair of U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian selections in kicker Eric Stranz and returner Kiondre Smith.Â
This marks Donnavan's second stint with the Gryphons after spending the 2016 season as U of G’s defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. During his playing days, Carter achieved all-star status at both the NCAA level (Northern Illinois Huskies) as well as the CFL level, where he played eight seasons with four different teams.
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Donnavan Carter Bio:
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Coaching Career:
2023-present:Â Â Associate Head Coach & Special Teams Coordinator (Guelph Gryphons)
2019-23:Â Special Teams Coordinator (Guelph Gryphons)
2017-18:Â Special Teams Coordinator & Linebackers Coach (Toronto Varsity Blues)
2016:Â Recruiting Coordinator & Defensive Backs Coach (Guelph Gryphons)
2013-2015:Â Associate Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator (Windsor Lancers)
2008-12:Â Defensive Coordinator & Defensive Backs Coach (Toronto Varsity Blues)
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Additional Coaching:
East-West Bowl (Defensive Coordinator 2009, 2011, 2013)
Team Ontario (multiple time defensive assistant and coordinator for Team Ontario, 2012-2019)
Etobicoke Eagles Defensive Coordinator (OVFL – 2010)
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Education:
Bachelor of Science - Management (Northern Illinois University, 1999)
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Playing Career:
1996-1999:Â Northern Illinois Huskies (NCAA)Â * Mid-American Conference's most valuable defensive player in 1999 *
2000-2007:Â Played 8 seasons in CFL (Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton & Winnipeg)Â Â * CFL all-star in '03 with Ottawa *
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