Football coach Steve Howlett is poised to add a few more zeros to his bottom line, and that’s not in reference to his overall record as head coach of the Varsity Blues. After five mostly unsuccessful seasons with the football program, during which the team has gone 0- 40, setting the all-time CIS record for consecutive games lost, the former U of T slot back could receive a pay raise and significant job security from U of T.
It’s a basic procedure for instructors at universities in Canada to be evaluated for promotion after five years. Under the parameters of the Policy and Procedures on Academic Appointments, Howlett is eligible for promotion to Senior Athletic Instructor.
The motion has come under intense criticism because of the football team’s well-documented struggles: “When I signed a contract it didn’t say I had to win so many games,” said Howlett. “I think I’m a great coach and not everyone has the perseverance and resilience like me.”
Howlett played for the Blues from 1983 and 1984, before graduating with a Sociology degree from Scarborough College in 1985. He was named football coach prior to the 2003 football season, after a stint serving as offensive coordinator for the now debunked Ottawa Renegades of the CFL.
In a memorandum posted throughout the Athletic Centre, Gretchen Kerr, associate dean of undergraduate education for the Faculty of Physical Education and Health, requested confidential letters of assessment regarding Howlett’s “teaching, coaching and creative professional achievement.”
The evaluation process will be conducted by a committee comprised of faculty members and administers who will then make a suggestion to be approved or denied by the head of the department.
Friday, March 14 is the deadline to submit letters of assessment regarding Steve Howlett to Kerr, at [email protected]. A decision will be reached this spring.
