WASHINGTON - Gallaudet University Athletics Director Warren Keller, '10, has announced Stefan LeFors as the new head coach of the Bison football program. LeFors, who is a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), brings over 25 years of football acumen to Kendall Green with experiences as a NCAA Division I student-athlete, professional football player and a state champion head coach at the high school level.

LeFors becomes the 37th head football coach in Gallaudet's illustrious history as the football program was founded in 1883 and is proudly the Home of the Huddle™ as the first football huddle began in 1894.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Coach Stefan LeFors to the Gallaudet family as our new head football coach. From the moment we began this search, we were looking for someone who could inspire our student-athletes, elevate our program, and lead with passion, integrity, and vision," said Keller. "Coach LeFors brings an incredible track record of success, a deep love for the game, and a clear commitment to developing young men both on and off the field. We're confident he will make an immediate impact on our culture and carry on our proud tradition with energy and excellence. We can't wait to see what the future holds under his leadership!"

LeFors, who begins his duties effective April 21, takes over the helm of the Gallaudet football program from 15-year veteran Chuck Goldstein, who moved over to the admissions office after setting the program record for wins (59) and conference victories (42) in 14 seasons.

"I'm incredibly humbled and excited for this next chapter and grateful for the opportunity to grow, learn, and take on new challenges at Gallaudet University," said LeFors. "My passion is developing young people and sharing the knowledge I've learned from all the wonderful places I've been both as a player and coach. I look forward to building positive relationships with the players, staff and administration."

LeFors, 43, arrives at Gallaudet from Parkview Baptist School in Baton Rouge, La., where he has served as head football coach and physical education teacher since March 2019. LeFors guided Parkview Baptist to a 47-24 record and made six state playoff appearances where the Eagles compiled a 7-6 postseason record.

Prior to Parkview Baptist, LeFors served as head football coach and athletic scheduling coordinator at Christian Academy of Louisville from 2011-19. LeFors tallied an impressive 86-20 record and won two Kentucky 2A State Championships (2016, '18) and seven district championships. In 2016, LeFors was named Associated Press State Coach of the Year for Kentucky. In addition, LeFors earned five district coach of the year honors.

LeFors is a 2004 graduate of the University of Louisville where he played quarterback for the Cardinals from 2000-04. LeFors was the 2004 Conference USA Football Player of the Year and guided the Cardinals to a 44-40 victory over Boise State in the Liberty Bowl, where he was named Most Valuable Player. The two-time Conference USA First Team honoree attended the 2005 East West Shrine All-Star Game in San Francisco where he was named Offensive Player of the Game after he threw three second quarter touchdowns to help propel the East to a 45-27 victory.

LeFors was drafted in the fourth round (121st overall) of the 2005 National Football League (NFL) Draft by the Carolina Panthers and stayed with the organization for two years. He signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 2007-08 and played with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the 2009 season.

LeFors first started coaching football with an internship with Providence High School in Charlotte in 2006 and later returned to the University of Louisville in 2010 as an academic specialist after his professional playing days concluded.

The LeFors family has a strong connection to Gallaudet University. Stefan's older brother, Eric, played on the Bison football team from 1996-99 and graduated from GU in 2001. Eric's wife, June Ann DeLaune, '01, also is a member of the Class of 2001. Stefan's mother, Susan Carter LeFors, attended Gallaudet from 1977-78 and played for the Bison women's volleyball team. Stefan's uncle, Nick LeFors Jr., attended Gallaudet from 1973-75 and played men's basketball and golf. Nick's wife, Peggy Barbour, '76, was a member of the Gallaudet cheer squad. Stefan's uncle, David LeFors, attended Gallaudet from 1986-89.

Stefan is married to his high school sweetheart, Joy, for nearly 22 years. The couple has two children; one son, Luke (18) and one daughter, Ella (16).

LeFors added his personal connection to Gallaudet University along with his accomplished football experience made this the right fit for him and his family.

"My ties to GU run deep with family members attending school there and being on campus as a kid watching my brother play football in the late 1990s really makes this even more of a unique and special opportunity for me and my family. Go Bison!"