An important player in Rouge et Or football is leaving his position

The 2026 season will mark a major transition for the coaching staff of Laval University's Rouge et Or.

After twelve years of coaching the program's players, Guillaume Rioux is stepping down to find stability in his daily life.

Having recently become a father, while remaining self-employed in the family business and maintaining his responsibilities with the Rouge et Or, he admitted he had to review his priorities to preserve his well-being and that of his family:

“I still love coaching and football remains a passion, but I want to prioritize what's most important, which is my family and my work with my father and brother. I tried the experiment this autumn and it wasn't very realistic to think I could keep up this pace for several years. It wasn't optimal either for me or for the team, but you had to try it to find out,” said Rioux in an article by Richard Boutin of Le Journal de Québec

Over the years, Rioux has established himself as an essential link in the development of the offensive units. His contribution has played a decisive role in the progression of many athletes who have gone on to play at the professional or semi-professional level.

His understanding of the game, his work ethic, and his closeness to the players have marked the identity of the Rouge et Or for over a decade.

The announcement of his departure inevitably entails an internal reorganization, but the team was quick to identify a natural successor. Antony Auclair, a former player in the program who became a coach a few seasons ago, will broaden his responsibilities by taking charge of the group of receivers.

Already responsible for the center-backs and ball carriers, he continues his ascent in university coaching. His professional experience acquired in the NFL and CFL is a major asset for young athletes seeking to perfect their skills.

A transition in line with the program's continuity

Auclair's arrival at the head of the receivers team ensures a certain continuity, as he is perfectly familiar with the Rouge et Or culture. His leadership, combined with his high-level experience, should ensure a smooth adaptation despite the departure of an established figure such as Rioux.

This transition also underlines the importance for sports organizations of dealing with the personal realities of their coaches, more and more of whom are seeking a balance between professional ambitions and family life. The Rouge et Or thus enters a new phase, while building on a solid foundation to maintain its standards of excellence.

This content was created with the help of AI.