Gary Jeffries (born June 24, 1948) is a Canadian former gridiron football player, coach, and athletic administrator. He is best known for his long association with the University of Western Ontario (now Western University), where he served as a player for the Western Mustangs football team, later as head coach, and subsequently as the university’s athletic director.
Early life and education
Gary Jeffries was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He attended the University of Western Ontario, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree while playing collegiate football as a quarterback for the Western Mustangs.
Playing career
Jeffries played for the Western Mustangs football program from 1967 to 1970. During his tenure, he contributed to the team's competitive successes in the Ontario-Quebec Athletic Association (OQAA) and later the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU, now U Sports). He was recognized for his leadership on the field and earned all‑conference honors.
Coaching career
After graduating, Jeffries transitioned to coaching. He began as an assistant coach with the Western Mustangs before moving to the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds, where he served as offensive coordinator in the early 1980s. In 1992, Jeffries returned to Western as the head coach of the Mustangs football program. Under his leadership, the Mustangs won multiple Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships and captured the 1994 Vanier Cup, the national championship of Canadian university football. Jeffries was named OUA Coach of the Year on several occasions and was recognized for developing numerous players who progressed to professional football in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Administrative career
In 2005, Jeffries was appointed athletic director of Western University. In this role, he oversaw all varsity sports programs, facility development, and fundraising initiatives. He played a key role in modernizing Western’s athletic infrastructure, including the renovation of TD Stadium and the construction of the Western Alumni Stadium. Jeffries retired from the athletic director position in 2015 but remains active in Canadian university sport governance as an advisory board member.
Personal life
Jeffries is married to Diane Jeffries and has two adult children. He is a member of the Western Mustangs Hall of Fame and has been inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame as a contributor for his coaching achievements.
Legacy and honors
Gary Jeffries is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Canadian university football, noted for his contributions as a player, coach, and administrator. His tenure as head coach produced several All‑Canadian athletes and contributed to the sustained competitive stature of the Western Mustangs program. The Gary Jeffries Scholarship, established by Western University, supports student‑athletes pursuing degrees in sports management.