Alumnus Tom Flaxman named associate coach of Acadia football

The Acadia football program is thrilled to announce the return of Tom Flaxman to the Axemen team as the new associate coach, offensive coordinator and recruiting.

Flaxman, who previously spent seven years at Acadia as both a player and coach, brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new role.

“I'm very excited to be returning to the Axemen family. Acadia is a very special place to me, having spent seven years in the valley as a player and a coach,” said Flaxman. “Coach Cummins has long been a mentor of mine, he gave me my start in this profession, and I would not be where I am today without his guidance and friendship. I look forward to working with him again. I'm very excited by the commitment of the athletic department, Brian Finnis, and football alumni. I look forward to continuing to build this program with all of them. I want to thank all the players and coaches at Queen's, particularly coach Snyder, who I've learned so much from, and grown so much as coach because of him.” 

As a player, Flaxman was a running back with Acadia from 2005-07, winning back-to-back AUS championships in 2005 and 2006.

Following that, he spent four years with the Axemen as a coach, first starting as a running back coach in 2008, before adding special teams to his title in 2009-10. In his final year before departing Wolfville he was the co-offensive coordinator in 2011 when Acadia won the AUS championship.

“Tom has great energy about him, since he was a player, and now all these years as a coach. The players he coaches, and coached, really enjoy being around him as he has an infectious personality,” said head coach Jeff Cummins. “He does a great job building relationships on the staff, with the players and with families, and that’s what makes him such a great recruiter and coach. It's going to be exciting to see how this all works on offence and in our future recruiting, so let’s get this thing going!”

Flaxman returns to Acadia having most recently spent 2019-24 with the Queen’s Gaels as their offensive coordinator. They had back-to-back Yates Cup appearances in 2021 and 2022, which included a perfect 6-0 regular season in 2021.

From 2012-2018 he spent time with programs at the University of Toronto, Western University and McMaster University.

Acadia opens the 2024 AUS on the road against Mount Allison on August 24 before hosting their home opener on August 31 against Saint Mary’s.

Season ticket early bird prices are available until June 30, which you can purchase here.

Playing and Coaching History

U SPORTS Playing Career

Running back for Acadia Axemen (2005-2007): Two-time AUS champion (2005, 2006)

U SPORTS Coaching Career

Acadia University (2008-11): 2008 running back, 2009-10 running back and special teams, 2011 co-offensive coordinator (2011 AUS champions)

University of Toronto (2012-13): 2012-13 offensive and recruiting coordinator (2013 team posted the best record at UofT (4-4) since Vanier win in 1993)

Western University (2014-2015): 2014 linebackers, 2015 offensive assistant and recruiting coordinator

McMaster University (2016-18): 2016 director of football operations and recruiting, 2017-18 offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator

Queen's University (2019-24): offensive coordinator (led the team to back-to-back Yates Cup appearances in 2021-22)

U19 Summer Football Coaching Career

Mississauga Warriors (2004-2013): Three-time OVFL champion (2004, 2007, 2008) London Jr Mustangs (2014-2015): 2014 offensive coordinator, 2015 head coach

U18 Team Ontario Coaching Career

U18 Team Ontario Canada Cup (2013-16): gold (2014), silver (2015), bronze (2013, 2016)

IFAF Team Ontario International Bowl (2014-15, 2019): 2014 running backs coach, 2015 offensive coordinator, 2019 head coach