Connolly is a new face to the Griffins, taking over the program after being hired in April 2019, but he’s a veteran one around the Canadian post-secondary basketball coaching ranks. The Coborg, Ont. native brings 19 years of post-secondary coaching experience to the fore in his new position at MacEwan, most recently helming the Edmonton-based NAIT Ooks – a program he guided to a Canadian Colleges Athletic Conference national championship in 2016.

Connolly has had previous U SPORTS experience as the head coach the University of Lethbridge from 2002-2009. His CCAA stops also include Medicine Hat College (2000-2002) and Keyano College (2009-2013). Earlier in his career, Connolly was an assistant coach at both the University of Toronto (1992-95; 1999) and the University of Victoria (1995-99).

Connolly led Team Alberta to a bronze medal at the 2001 Canada Games in London,Ont. and also coached the program at the 2005 Canada Games in Regina, Sask.

Prior to his coaching career, Connolly played for Lakehead University (1985-89).