York Lions football

The desire from York's student body to have a varsity football team began in the mid-1960s and wasn't realized until 1967 following interest from the faculty. The president of York's Founders College, Fred Halpern, stated that a varsity football team is essential to the creation of spirit necessary to unite all students. The desire to have the team be a varsity program that competed in the Ontario-Quebec Athletic Association was that it was competition deemed worthy of 'the fastest growing university in North America'.{{Cite news |last=Excalibur |date=September 29, 1967 |title=Tackle Football To Come |work=Excalibur |pages=10}}

York officially founded the program in spring of 1968 with the hiring of Norbert "Nobby" Wirkowski as York's coordinator of men's athletics and Head Football coach. Wirkowski previously worked for the Toronto Argonauts as their player personnel director following his professional playing career.{{Cite news |last=Proudfoot |first=Jim |date=April 30, 1968 |title=Nobby has big plans for York U |work=Toronto Star |pages=15}} Then known as the Yeomen, York would field its first team in the fall of 1968; playing various colleges, universities, and junior teams that year to become eligible to join the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Association in 1969.

York's first game would be on September 21, 1968 against the Laurentian Voyageurs which ended in a 28-8 loss.{{Cite news |last=Canadian Press |date=September 23, 1968 |title=Mustangs surprise Blues with passing |work=Toronto Star |pages=11}} York would achieve its first win in program history on October 4, 1968 with a 30-0 win over the Scarborough College Titans.{{Cite news |last=The Globe and Mail |date=October 5, 1968 |title=Iaccino helps York U. win first grid tilt |work=The Globe and Mail |pages=36}} The following games saw them defeat Victoria College 20-6,{{Cite news |last=Crocker |first=David |date=October 17, 1968 |title=Let's Talk Football |work=Excalibur |pages=10}} the Oakville Colts 33-25,{{Cite news |last=Crocker |first=David |date=October 24, 1968 |title=York dumps Oakville for third win |work=Excalibur |pages=17}} and the Scarborough Rams 27-12;{{Cite news |last=Crocker |first=David |date=October 31, 1968 |title=Final sweep in football |work=Excalibur |pages=16}} ending the exhibition season with a 4-2 win-loss record. Views on the program's future were optimistic as there was improvement game-over-game for the Yeomen with rookie quarterback Larry Iaccino running the offense efficiently and Wirkowski's coaching experience.{{Cite news |last=Crocker |first=Dave |date=November 7, 1968 |title=Our football team is more than a success, it's an experience |work=Excalibur |pages=21}}

York started play in 1969 within the Central Canada Intercollegiate Football Conference (CCIFC).{{Cite web |last=Pitt-Clark |first=Jenny |date=2014-10-16 |title=Passings: Nobby Wirkowski founded the York University Football Program |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2014/10/16/passings-nobby-wirkowski-founded-the-york-university-football-program/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=YFile |language=en-US}} The Yeomen's first conference game was against the Windsor Lancers on September 21, 1969, which was a 19-7 loss.{{Cite news |last=The Globe and Mail |date=September 22, 1969 |title=Inexperience hurts York, Windsor wins |work=The Globe and Mail |pages=23}} York would get their first official conference win the week after against the Laurentian Voyageurs 29-6.{{Cite news |last=The Globe and Mail |date=September 29, 1969 |title=Mustangs hit stride, overwhelm Macs 40-3 |work=The Globe and Mail |pages=22}}

During their scheduled bye week, York unconventionally would play in an exhibition against the Oakville Colts of the Junior Ontario Rugby Football Union,{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=October 2, 1969 |title=No rest for Yeomen: York team to meet Oakville in exhibition |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=19}} which they would win 44-24.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=October 6, 1969 |title=Rivals keep an eye on York: Scout Yeomen's victory |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=15}}

York would go on to lose to the Waterloo Lutheran Golden Hawks 15-9,{{Cite news |last=The Globe and Mail |date=October 13, 1969 |title=Parker's kicks beat Yeoman 15-9 |work=The Globe and Mail |pages=26}} the Ottawa Gee-Gees 43-0,{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=October 20, 1969 |title=York begins picking up the pieces: Shattered, 43-0, by Ottawa U |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=17}} and the Guelph Gryphons 23-6{{Cite news |last=The Globe and Mail |date=November 3, 1969 |title=Fans stand to see York Yeomen lose 23-6 |work=The Globe and Mail |pages=24}} and finishing with a 1-5 regular season record.

York would start their year with the first instance of their rivalry game versus the Toronto Varsity Blues (later known as the Red & Blue Bowl) in an exhibition game.{{Cite news |last=Orr |first=Frank |date=September 9, 1970 |title=Varsity vs. York is a 'first' |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=18}} Toronto would win the preseason game 36-0 with York citing the lack of experienced players; 19 of whom have had no college football experience and another 13 with only one year of experience out of a 42-man roster.{{Cite news |last=The Globe and Mail |date=September 12, 1970 |title=Varsity's experience too much for York |work=The Globe and Mail |pages=36}}

This was the start to a year of futility for the Yeomen as they struggled to muster up any offensive output. York would lose it's opening game to the Guelph Gryphons 24-0 (a game Wirkowski was critical of the officiating),{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=September 21, 1970 |title=Officials draw a blast from losing York coach |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=14}} followed by dropping their next game to the Ottawa Gee-Gees 25-7.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=October 3, 1970 |title=Offense fizzles in York loss: Wealthy winner watches |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=14}} They would then drop the following games to the Waterloo Lutheran Golden Hawks 44-2, {{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=October 12, 1970 |title=York is Lutheran's latest victim |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=21}} the Carleton Ravens 12-10,{{Cite news |last=Fraser |first=Terry |date=October 19, 1970 |title=Almost... not quite for York's Yeomen |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=16}} the Windsor Lancers 34-6,{{Cite news |last=Toronto Daily Star |date=October 26, 1970 |title=Guelph-Ottawa showdown |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=14}} and the Laurentian Voyageurs 28-1; going winless in the regular season for the first time in school history. The 26 points that they scored is still the lowest point total in a single season in school history.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=October 2, 1970 |title=Football at York a pointless game |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=20}} Linebacker Ken Dyer, who was the team's captain and lone conference all-star,{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=November 20, 1970 |title=Help high schools develop players, college coaches told: Gee Gees have five all-stars |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=15}} was named the team's MVP.{{Cite news |last=The Globe and Mail |date=March 19, 1970 |title=York chooses Murray Stroud Yeoman of year |work=The Globe and Mail |pages=47}}

Following their loss to Laurentian - their first win in 2 years - Wirkowski stated "If a high school kid wants to play college football, York is the place for him... He can start playing right now".{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=November 2, 1970 |title=Wirkowski is back at drawing board after winless year |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=14}}

The Yeomen joined the newly formed Ontario University Athletic Association (OUAA) in 1971 in the Northern division. The expectation was to have a stronger campaign than in 1970 given that they only lost 4 starters (including team MVP Ken Dyer){{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=August 31, 1971 |title=New faces for Blues but not for Yeomen |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=14}} and felt that they recruited well with Wirkowski stating "we're making a fresh start after a disastrous year. But we have a fine crop of rookies, the best we've ever had." York would start the season with 16 new starters and some strong transfers, including former University of Buffalo quarterback Doug Philip, who had to miss most of the season due to a collarbone injury he suffered in the summer diving into a pool.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=September 10, 1971 |title=York's rookie squad tackles tough task |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=20}}{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=September 28, 1971 |title=Blues big choice over Yeomen: Rivals clash at Varsity Stadium |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=13}}

York opened the year with a losses to the Ottawa Gee-Gees 21-0,{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=September 13, 1971 |title=Blues are victims of big upset and Yeomen lose, too |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=18}} the Windsor Lancers 20-6,{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=September 20, 1971 |title=Blues blast Laurentian, but Yeomen fall short of mark |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=14}} and the Carleton Ravens 30-7.{{Cite news |last=Toronto Daily Star |date=September 27, 1971 |title=Yeomen lose third grid test |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=15}} York would put up a strong effort in there next game against the Toronto Varsity Blues jumping to a 12-0 lead early, but losing 24-12 in their second-ever rivalry game.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=September 30, 1971 |title=Yeomen help coach keep a promise |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=16}} The Yeomen would then lose via a last minute 79-yard touchdown pass against the Laurentian Voyageurs 24-21.{{Cite news |last=Toronto Daily Star |date=October 4, 1971 |title=Last-minute pass scuttles Yeomen |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=16}} The week after saw the Queen's Golden Gaels crush York 62-7 after the banged-up Yeomen squad gave up 35 points in the 4th quarter.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=October 11, 1971 |title=Fourth quarter York nightmare |archive-url=https://ezproxy.torontopubliclibrary.ca/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/hnptorontostar/newspapers/page-15/docview/1412289956/sem-2?accountid=14369 |work=Toronto Daily Star |archive-date=October 11, 1971 |pages=15}} In a rematch with Laurentian, York would get their first victory of the year 41-0, which saw four different Yeomen throwing touchdown passes.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=October 18, 1971 |title=York Yeomen finally win -- 41-0 |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=29}} York would close out the year with another loss to Ottawa 14-10; finishing the year with a 1-7 win-loss record.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=October 25, 1971 |title=York's football future brighter |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=18}}

Slot receiver Steve Ince and defensive back Dave Hamilton were both named to the OUAA all-star team following the season,{{Cite news |last=Canadian Press |date=October 28, 1971 |title=Both Blues, Yeomen place a pair of players on football all-stars |work=Toronto Daily Star |pages=29}} with Rob Panzer being named the team's MVP.{{Cite news |last=Toronto Star |date=March 22, 1972 |title=Latinovich tops at York |work=The Toronto Star |pages=50}}

Starting in the 1972 season, York would play at CNE Stadium after playing their prior home games on York's Keele campus.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Jim |date=April 28, 1972 |title=York moves to CNE's mod sod |work=The Toronto Star |pages=25}}

York joined the Ontario Quebec Intercollegiate Football Conference (OQIFC) in 1974.

After the 1975 season, Wirkowski would step down to focus on his role as coordinator of men's interuniversity athletics, stating "I feel we should look for someone that can devote all his time to the program".{{Cite news |last=Toronto Star |date=June 4, 1976 |title=Nobby Wirkowski resigns as coach |work=Toronto Star |pages=C2}}

On July 13, 1976, York hired recently retired CFL Linebacker Dick Aldridge as the program's new Head Coach, but working on a part-time basis as Aldridge was also a teacher and sports coach at Banting Memorial High School in Alliston.{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Allan |date=July 13, 1976 |title=Ex-Argo to coach football at York |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1398489107/6E8889860CDA4B42PQ/\ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.proquest.com/hnptorontostar/docview/1398489107/6E8889860CDA4B42PQ/ |archive-date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |work=Toronto Star |pages=C5}}

Under Aldridge, the Yeomen would go winless in the 1976 and 1977 seasons and extending the program's losing streak to 17-games. During this time, York's offense struggled to put up points and their defense was not able to keep them into games. In 1977 the team was playing marginally better defensively and almost snapped their losing streak when they faced a winless Guelph Gryphons team, but fell short in a 17-15 loss.{{Cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Bob |date=October 3, 1977 |title=York scores with its fans but not enough with Guelph |work=Toronto Star |pages=B7}}

After the 1977 season, Aldridge resigned to take over as the head coach of a new Toronto Northern Football Conference team. Aldridge left primarily as York was looking to have a full-time head coach in the position and Aldridge was not willing to leave his job teaching.{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Jeffrey |date=January 20, 1978 |title=Argo's hire York's coach for amateur farm team |work=The Globe and Mail |pages=32}} Aldridge would go 0-14 over his two seasons at York, losing on average 32-5.

On February 2, 1978, York named former Western Mustangs Head Coach and CFL Hall of Famer Frank Cosentino as their new Head Coach. Prior to being named the Yeomen's Head Coach, Cosentino was already working in York's athletics department as he was hired as the Chair of the Department of Physical Education in 1975, a role he also kept on during his time as the Head Football Coach. This was all following his tenure at Western, where as their Head Coach, led the Mustangs to 2 Vanier Cup titles in 1971 and 1974. In addition, York also named 1973 Hec Crighton trophy winner Dave Pickett as part of the full-time staff after serving as an assistant in the 1977 season; giving York 2 full-time coaches for the first time in their history.{{Cite news |last=Labow |first=Jeffrey |date=February 2, 1978 |title=CFL veteran promises no miracles: Cosentino to coach York football |work=The Globe and Mail |pages=47}}

During the 1978 season, Cosentino immediately started to turn around the Yeomen's fortunes, starting that season 4-1 and finishing 4-3 in the campaign; en route to being named OUA West Coach of the Year. In his tenure, York would also become nationally ranked for the first time in program history. Despite the turnaround, York would fail to reach the postseason during this time and Cosentino stepped down as Head Coach following the 1980 season. Cosentino held a record of 10 wins and 10 losses during this tenure as Head Coach.{{Cite web |title=Frank Cosentino (2017) - Hall of Fame |url=https://yorkulions.ca/honors/hall-of-fame/frank-cosentino/120 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} As well in 1980, York would return to the OUA .

In 1981, York promoted Dave Pickett to be their new Head Coach.{{Cite web |title=David Pickett (1984) - Wall of Fame |url=https://huskies.usask.ca/honors/wall-of-fame/david-pickett/16 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Huskie Athletics |language=en}} Pickett was part of York's staff since 1977 following his playing career with the Saskatchewan Huskies and Windsor Lancers. Under Pickett, the Yeomen would fail to reach the postseason.

After the 1983 season on October 25, 1983, Pickett announced his retirement from football at age 31, stating "There are other things I wanted to do... football has never been the only thing in my life, and I never thought of myself as a career football coach... other options have presented themselves".{{Cite news |date=October 25, 1983 |title=Yeomen coach saying goodbye |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1400442494 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.proquest.com/hnptorontostar/docview/1400442494/6E8889860CDA4B42PQ/ |archive-date=July 17, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |work=Toronto Star |pages=22|id={{ProQuest|1400442494}} }} Pickett would go 5-16 as the Yeomen's Head Coach.

On March 8, 1984, York would name both the team's founder Nobby Wirkowski and Frank Cosentino as Associate Head Coaches.{{Cite news |last=Zwolinski |first=Mark |date=March 8, 1984 |title=York reinstates trio of top-line coaches |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1399727664 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.proquest.com/hnptorontostar/docview/1399727664/113D4A5E45E84FBAPQ/ |archive-date=July 13, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |work=Toronto Star |pages=E10|id={{ProQuest|1399727664}} }} In their first season together in 1984, the Yeomen would finish 5-2 and get into the playoffs for the first time in program history. This would happen again in 1985 where in both cases, they lost in the first round of the OUA playoffs. During the rest of their tenure, York would fail to reach the postseason.

Prior to the 1988 season, Cosentino would step down from the position with Wirkowski being the sole Head Coach. The Yeomen would finish 1-6 in 1988 and 0-7 in 1989. After the season, Wirkowski announced his retirement from the position and still worked at York until 1992 within the athletic department.{{Cite web |title=Nobby Wirkowski (2007) - Hall of Fame |url=https://yorkulions.ca/honors/hall-of-fame/nobby-wirkowski/94 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

Before the 1990 season, York named Tom Arnott as the program's new Head Coach. Arnott was tasked in rebuilding the program and had struggled early on, going winless from 1990 to 1994, which set a Canadian University football record of 47-straight losses from 1988 to 1995.{{cite web |title=From Rugby to Football: The History of Canadian Football: York Yeomen |url=https://www.communitystories.ca/v1/pm_v2.php?id=story_line&lg=English&fl=0&ex=00000785&sl=8135&pos=1 |website=Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Museum |publisher=VirtualMuseum.ca |access-date=28 February 2023}} This record was later broken with the Toronto Varsity Blues having a 49-game losing streak from 2001 to 2008.{{cite web |last1=Doolittle |first1=Robyn |title=U of T Blues end 7-year, 49-game losing streak |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2008/09/01/u_of_t_blues_end_7year_49game_losing_streak.html |website=Toronto Star |date=September 2008 |access-date=28 February 2023}}

In 1994, Arnott's plan started to turn the program around; going from an 0–8 record to 4–4, leading to Arnott be named OUA coach of the year. Arnott would win the award again in 1997 after leading the Yeomen to a 6–2 record, finishing fourth-place in the OUA, and bringing York to the postseason for the 3rd time in program history.

On January 9, 2001, Arnott announced that he would leave York in 2001 to join the Guelph Gryphons coaching staff, his alma-mater, as an assistant coach. Arnott was quoted saying "We failed to achieve our goals at York and after evaluating the situation, I felt it was time to make a personal change and this was the move to make."{{Cite news |last=Grossman |first=David |date=January 9, 2001 |title=York football coach says goodbye to the Yeomen |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1440151339 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.proquest.com/hnptorontostar/docview/1440151339/6E8889860CDA4B42PQ/ |archive-date=October 13, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |work=Toronto Star |pages=B6|id={{ProQuest|1440151339}} }} Afterwards, Tom Gretes, the Yeomen's Defensive coordinator (DC), would be promoted to Head Coach.

Prior to the 2001 season, both the Queen's Golden Gaels and Ottawa Gee-Gees joined the OUA in 2001. To accommodate this, the OUA expanded the postseason to include 8 out of 10, in which that time the Yeomen/Lions would qualify for the playoffs for four consecutive seasons.{{cite web |title=Bob Adams CIS Sportspage |url=http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/SportFit/CIAU/football2008.html |access-date=May 17, 2020 |publisher=Chebucto Community Net}}

York would start the season with a 38-8 loss to the Guelph Gryphons, followed up by a 16-15 loss to the Western Mustangs. In week 3, the Yeomen would get their first win of the year over the Toronto Varsity Blues 33-10. York would drop the next two games to their new OUA counterparts Queen's (24-22) and Ottawa (39-31), then would win their next two against Windsor (19-17) and Waterloo (25-22), which would get York to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 1997.

The Yeomen would drop their season finale to the McMaster Marauders 50-0, leading them to finish with a 3-5 record and getting the #8 seed, which led to a rematch with McMaster. The Yeomen would lose the rematch 62-0 to the eventual Yates Cup champions.{{Cite web |title=CIAU Football 2001 |url=https://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Recreation/CIAU/football2001.html |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=www.chebucto.ns.ca}} After the season, DB Dennis Mavrin was named a CIAU All-Canadian.{{Cite web |title=CHAMPIONS & AWARD WINNERS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/sports/2013/4/9/FB_0409131412.aspx |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

York began the 2002 season with a victory over the Guelph Gryphons 23–11, followed up by a loss to the Western Mustangs 16–11{{Cite web |last=CBC Sports |date=September 10, 2002 |title=Saint Mary's still No. 1 in CIS football |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/saint-mary-s-still-no-1-in-cis-football-1.307246}} and a 14–6 win over the Toronto Varsity Blues. After falling to the Queen's Golden Gaels 35–17, York would win 3 straight games against the Ottawa Gee-Gees (12–9), the Windsor Lancers (22–3), and the Laurier Golden Hawks (22–6) before losing to the McMaster Marauders 27–0 in the season finale; finishing with a 5–3 record.

The Yeomen not only qualified for the playoffs for the second time in a row, but for the first time in program history would host a playoff game, as they ended up tied with the #10 ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees for 4th place in the OUA, but had higher seeding with them winning the regular season matchup. The game was also set up for a national broadcast to celebrate the program's achievement.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2002-10-25 |title=York Yeomen football game to be televised |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2002/10/25/york-yeomen-football-game-to-be-televised/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}} York would go onto beat Ottawa 12–4, in which the scoring came from kicker Gianfranco Rocca hitting 3 field goals and scoring a rouge, and defensive end Paul Graca sacking Ottawa QB James Baker for a safety. This was York's first ever postseason victory in program history{{Cite news |last=Canadian Press |date=2002-10-28 |title=Playoff victory a Yeomen first |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/playoff-victory-a-yeomen-first/article1027660/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}} and so far the only playoff game York has ever won. York would go onto to the Semifinals, putting up a solid effort but losing 29–14 to the undefeated McMaster Marauders.

After the season, Tom Gretes was named OUA Coach of the Year and DE Jeet Rana was named OUA Lineman of the Year.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2002-11-11 |title=York's Tom Gretes named OUA Coach of the Year |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2002/11/11/york%E2%80%99s-tom-gretes-named-oua-coach-of-the-year/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}} Rana was also named a CIS Second-team All-star alongside teammate DB Dennis Mavrin.

In their first season with a new name, the Lions looked to build off their strong 2002 season as they had 17 returning starters on the team.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2003-08-21 |title=Lions start training for 2003 football season |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2003/08/21/lions-start-training-for-2003-football-season/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}} Some also predicted that York was going to be the most improved squad heading into the year and had the potential to take down some of the OUA's top programs.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2003-09-02 |title=The Lions football team should be the OUA's 'most improved' |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2003/09/02/the-lions-football-team-should-be-the-ouas-most-improved/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}}

However, the 2003 season went much different than predicted, as York dropped their first two games to the Queen's Golden Gaels (47–7 loss) and the McMaster Marauders (51–0 loss). York would win the next 2 out of 3 games, but followed up with a big loss to the Western Mustangs 44–15.{{Cite web |title=2003 CIS Football Scores |url=https://www.nsbs.chebucto.org/SportFit/CIAU/fbteams03.html#York |website=Bob Adams CIS Sports Page}}

York would win their final game against the Ottawa Gee-Gees 23–3 to qualify for the postseason and finish the year with a 3–5 record. While the main story of the game was the Lions making the OUA playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year, the contest also saw a dominating performance by rookie RB Andre Durie, who set an OUA record with 349 rushing yards.{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2021 |title=U Sports Football Individual Records |url=https://usports.ca/uploads/cis/Sports/06_FB/2021-22/U_SPORTS_FB_individual_records_Sept_17_2021.pdf}}

York would have a rematch with the Queen's Golden Gaels in the Quarterfinals, which they would lose 27–6.

The OUA changed their playoff structure prior to the 2004 season with the top 7 teams qualifying for the postseason instead of the top 8. York was looking to keep up their streak of playoff appearances following these changes. HC Tom Gretes brought in Ottawa Gee-Gees Offensive Coordinator Andy McEvoy to be the team's new OC and was confident that the Lions would have a strong start to the year based on their first 3 opponents.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2004-09-07 |title=York Lions plan for their share of victory |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2004/09/07/york-lions-plan-for-their-share-of-victory/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}}

However, York would start the 2004 season 0–2 on the year before defeating the Waterloo Warriors 55–33, led by RB Andre Durie's 211 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs;{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2004-05/Boxscore/York_vs_Waterloo_-_Sept._18th-_2004.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} becoming the 3rd player in Canadian collegiate football history with 6 rushing touchdowns in a single game.{{Cite news |date=2004-09-20 |title=Durie ties CIS mark in York win |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/durie-ties-cis-mark-in-york-win/article4090800/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web |date=2014-11-28 |title=DURIE RANKED NO. 8 IN SPORTSNET'S TOP 50 PLAYERS LIST |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2014/11/28/FB_1128140513.aspx |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} The Lions would finish the year 3–5 with victories over the Toronto Varsity Blues and the Windsor Lancers and qualify for the playoffs despite losing their final regular season game to the undefeated Laurier Golden Hawks, 38–19.{{Cite web|date=2004-10-25 |title=YORK CLAIMS LAST PLAYOFF BERTH |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2004-05/releases/538.html |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2004-05/Boxscore/Laurier_vs_York_-_Oct._23-_2004.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}}

York would go onto face the Western Mustangs in the OUA Quarterfinals.{{Cite web|date=2004-10-29 |title=MUSTANGS-LIONS CLASH ON THE RUSH |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2004-05/releases/557.html |language=en}} Despite strong performances by RB Andre Durie (168 rush yards, 1 TD) and QB Bart Zemanek (15/17, 224 pass yards, 2 TDs), Western managed to gain 432 rushing yards onto a dominating 54–18 victory;{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2004-05/Boxscore/OUA_Qaurterfinals_-_York_vs_Western_-_Oct._30th-_2004.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} eliminating the Lions. This currently is the last time York has qualified for the OUA postseason.

York boasted 5 OUA all-stars that season with RB Andre Durie, DE Ricky Foley, and DB Clinton John named to the First-team, WR Ricardo Hudson named to the Second-team, and DB Sam Opaleye being named to the First-team as a specialist and Second-team as a safety.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2004-11-10 |title=Five Lions make football all-star team |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2004/11/10/five-lions-make-football-all-star-team/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}} Durie was also named to the First-team CIS All-Canadian team alongside McMaster Marauders RB Jesse Lumsden, while Foley was named a CIS Second-team All-Canadian.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2004-11-26 |title=Two Lions football players named All-Canadians |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2004/11/26/two-lions-football-players-named-all-canadians/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}}

File:2005- 09-10 Ricky Foley YorkatQ 162-X4.jpg (55) chases down a Queen's player (09/10/2005)]]

The Lions were looking forward to building off the 2004 season as they returned 22 starters on offense and defense.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2005-08-23 |title=Fall means football! |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2005/08/23/fall-means-football/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}} York would start the 2005 season strong with a 20–16 win over the Waterloo Warriors.{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2005-06/Boxscore/Waterloo_vs_York_-_Sept._05-_2005.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}}

In week 2 versus the Queen's Gaels, star RB Andre Durie would suffer a catastrophic knee injury while attempting a juke early in the contest, which would be the last time he played as a York Lion as he spent the following two years rehabilitating his knee before moving onto the CFL.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2007-05-14 |title=Argos hope knee injury won't hinder former York back |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2007/05/14/argos-hope-knee-injury-wont-hinder-former-york-back/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}} York would go onto lose that game 40–7,{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2005-06/Boxscore/York_vs_Queen-s_-_Sept._10th-_2005.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} but responded with back-to-back wins over the Toronto Varsity Blues (23–20{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2005-06/Boxscore/York_vs_Toronto_-_Sept._17th-_2005.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} in Overtime) and the Guelph Gryphons (22–15{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2005-06/Boxscore/Guelph_vs_York_-_Sept._24h-_2005.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}}). York would struggle the rest of the season ending with a 3–5 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

The 2006 season saw the Lions start a rebuild as the Lions returned with many new faces all over the roster. York would start the season 0–4 before facing the Toronto Varsity Blues in the 37th Red and Blue Bowl on national television.{{Cite web|date=2006-09-29 |title=RED AND BLUE BOWL ON UNIVERSITY RUSH |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2006-07/releases/1470.html |language=en}} York would win the game 39–11 led by QB Bart Zemanek's 339 passing yards and 3 touchdown passes in the game and a strong defensive performance.{{Cite web|date=2006-10-02 |title=OUA ROUND UP: MAC POUNDS QUEEN'S TO STAY UNDFEATED |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2006-07/releases/1473.html |language=en}} York would go onto drop their last 3 games to the Windsor Lancers (41–28{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2006-07/Boxscore/York_vs_Windsor_-__Oct._7th-_2006.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}}), the Queen's Gaels (9–4{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2006-07/Boxscore/Queen-s_vs_York_-___Oct._14th-_2006.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}}), and the Waterloo Warriors (13–8{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2006-07/Boxscore/York_vs_Waterloo_-__Oct._21st-_2006.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}}); finishing the year with a 1–7 record.

In the ensuing offseason, York fired Gretes due to an incident at the York athletics banquet that year{{cite web |last1=Grossman |first1=David |title=Rush to judgement: OUA preview |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2007/09/02/rush_to_judgement_oua_preview.html |website=Toronto Star |date=2 September 2007 }} and named Offensive Coordinator Andy McEvoy as the interim replacement.{{cite web |last1=Grossman |first1=David |title=York coach relieved of Duty |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2007/06/05/york_coach_relieved_of_duty.html |access-date=28 February 2023 |website=Toronto Star|date=5 June 2007 }}

McEvoy led the team for the 2007 season and managed to achieve a 1–7 record. York's was blown out to start the year against the Windsor Lancers 59–0,{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2007-08/Boxscore/York_vs_Windsor_-_Sept._3rd-_2007.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} but had a strong showing against the Waterloo Warriors in an 18–15 loss{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2007-08/Boxscore/York_vs_Waterloo_-_Sept._8th-_2007.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} the following week. York would lose by wide margins for the rest of the year, except for their 21–20 win over the struggling Toronto Varsity Blues{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2007-08/Boxscore/Toronto_vs_York_-_Sept._29th-_2007.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} and a surprisingly close loss to the powerful Western Mustangs 11–9;{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2007-08/Boxscore/Western_vs_York_-__Oct._6th-_2007.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} a game which saw both teams tied 8–8 heading into the 4th quarter.

On February 21, 2008, York named former CFLer and Saint Mary's Defensive Coordinator Mike McLean as Head Coach with McEvoy returning as an offensive assistant.{{cite web |last1=Koreen |first1=Mike |title=Lions pick a Huskie as new football coach |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2008/02/21/lions-pick-a-huskie-as-new-football-coach/ |website=YFile |date=21 February 2008 |publisher=York University |access-date=28 February 2023}} On April 24, 2008, McLean also brought in Beau Mirau to be his Offensive Coordinator, whom McLean worked with for years when they were both coaching with the CJFL's Edmonton Huskies{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2008-09-08 |title=Lions football coach has eyes fixed on future success |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2008/09/08/lions-football-coach-has-eyes-fixed-on-future-success/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}} to replace McEvoy.

York finished the 2008 season winless for the first time since 1994 with an 0–8 record; averaging only 4 points-per-game for and 58.9 points-per-game against over the season. This included an embarrassing 58–7 loss to the Toronto Varsity Blues (ending York's 13-year winning streak against their rivals and saw the son of former York Head Coach Tom Gretes, George, throw a TD pass late in the game),{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2008-09/Boxscore/York_vs_Toronto_-__Sept._13th-_2008.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} a 71–0 loss to the Western Mustangs,{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2008-09/Boxscore/Western_vs_York_-__Sept._20th-_2008.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} and an 80–0 loss to the Queen's Gaels,{{Cite web |title=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2008-09/Boxscore/Queen-s_vs_York_-__Oct._4th-_2008.PDF |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Ontario University Athletics (OUA) |language=en}} which was the largest margin of victory in Queen's football history to that point. York also didn't manage to set up a full dress roster for the entire 2008 season, with McLean claiming that he had no time to recruit new players after being named head coach and said that the program was in free fall when he arrived.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2009-09-01 |title=York Lions are not running out of lives on gridiron |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2009/09/01/york-lions-are-not-running-out-of-lives-on-gridiron/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}}

The 2009 season opened up with a close loss to the Windsor Lancers 17–14 in which the highlight of the game was when York Returner Jason Marshall took a missed field goal 125-yards for a touchdown with 40 seconds left in the game.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2009-09-11 |title=Lions fall short in football season opener |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2009/09/11/lions-fall-short-in-football-season-opener/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=YFile |language=en-US}} This was as close as the Lions got to victory that season however, as they finished again with an 0–8 record and being outscored 83–397 the rest of the season.{{Cite web |title=2009 Football Schedule |url=https://yorkulions.ca/sports/football/schedule/2009 |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

On February 17, 2010, York announced that OC Beau Mirau was leaving the program. Mike McLean was also fired on March 16, 2010, with the athletic department citing 'serious philosophical differences' and a 'lack of accountability' as the primary reasons for the removal.{{cite web |last1=Grossman |first1=David |title=Mike McLean turns to religion after York Lions |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/2010/03/24/mike_mclean_turns_to_religion_after_york_lions.html |website=Toronto Star |date=24 March 2010 |access-date=28 February 2023}}{{Cite web |title=York Head Coach McLean dismissed – CanadaFootballChat.com |url=https://www.canadafootballchat.com/york-head-coach-mclean-dismissed/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |language=en-CA}}

On May 10, 2010, York hired former Concordia Stingers DC Warren Craney to become the programs 9th Head Coach starting in the 2010 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2010/05/08/york_lions_pick_a_winner_in_new_head_coach_warren_craney.html|title=York Lions pick a winner in new head coach Warren Craney|work=The Star|date=May 8, 2010|access-date=May 17, 2020}} Craney then brought in Montreal Carabins assistant coach Harry LaFlamme and former Western Mustang QB Michael Faulds - who is the record holder for the most passing yards in CIS history - as the new Defensive and Offensive Coordinators respectively.{{cite web |last1=Grossman |first1=David |title=Former Western QB joins York coaching staff |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/former-western-qb-joins-york-coaching-staff/article_964cd861-b2e3-587c-9dcb-1e1b6a160d84.html |website=Toronto Star |language=en |date=29 June 2010}} York would go 0–8 over the season; being outscored 73–413 over the year with the closest game being a 24–19 loss to the rival Toronto Varsity Blues which saw York almost complete a late comeback led by QB Nick Coutu's 421 total yard performance.{{cite web |title=Football vs Toronto Varsity Blues on 9/18/2010 - Box Score |url=https://yorkulions.ca/sports/football/stats/2010/toronto-varsity-blues/boxscore/1511 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

In the 2011 season, Craney guided the Lions to their first win in 3 seasons against the Waterloo Warriors 20–18 in overtime - snapping a 29-game losing streak for the program.{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=J. |title=Warriors lose to Lions in overtime |url=https://www.therecord.com/life/2011/09/18/warriors-lose-to-lions-in-overtime.html |website=The Record |date=18 September 2011 |access-date=28 February 2023}} The following offseason, Craney would take over as Defensive Coordinator, with Laflamme being moved to Special Teams Coordinator.

Prior to the 2012, York was able to get University of South Alabama QB Miles Gibbon to transfer to the program.{{cite web |last1=CFC Scout |title=Montreal Quarterback Myles Gibbon (NCAA transfer) hoping to turn around the fortunes of York Lions – CanadaFootballChat.com |url=https://www.canadafootballchat.com/montreal-quarterback-myles-gibbon-ncaa-transfer-hoping-to-turn-around-the-fortunes-of-york-lions/ |website=CanadaFootballChat.com |language=en-CA}} With a new QB at the helm, the Lions finished with a 2–6 record, the most wins for the program since 2005 and in 7th place, their highest finish in eight years. This included an impressive 47–36 win over the Ottawa Gee-Gees that some saw as the turning point for the program going forward.{{cite web |last1=Bucholtz |first1=Andrew |title=CIS Corner: York's win over Ottawa suggests programs are going in opposite directions |url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/cfl-55-yard-line/cis-corner-york-win-over-ottawa-suggests-programs-234314994.html |website=Yahoo! Sports |date=9 September 2012 |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=28 February 2023}} This season would include many one-score losses to the likes of the Laurier Golden Hawks (24–20 loss{{cite web |title=Football vs Laurier Golden Hawks on 9/15/2012 - Box Score |url=https://yorkulions.ca/sports/football/stats/2012/laurier-golden-hawks/boxscore/1529 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}), the Waterloo Warriors (23–22 loss{{cite web |title=Football vs Waterloo Warriors on 9/22/2012 - Box Score |url=https://yorkulions.ca/sports/football/stats/2012/waterloo-warriors/boxscore/1530 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}), and the Windsor Lancers (26–22 loss{{cite web |title=Football vs Windsor Lancers on 9/29/2012 - Box Score |url=https://yorkulions.ca/sports/football/stats/2012/windsor-lancers/boxscore/1531 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}). These results signaled that the Lions were showing signs of growth and rebuilding into a competitive football team.

As well, the Lions had one player get an OUA All-star nod, WR Will Austin, who was named to the Second-team and the first Lion since 2007 to be named to the team.

However, the 2013 offseason managed to take away much of the momentum the team had built up to that point. On January 8, 2013, the teams' OC since 2010, Michael Faulds, was hired as the new Head Coach of the Laurier Golden Hawks.{{cite web |last1=Fauteux |first1=Justin |title=Laurier football introduces new head coach |url=https://thecord.ca/laurier-football-introduces-new-head-coach/ |website=The Cord |date=8 January 2013 |access-date=28 February 2023}} Since then, the Lions haven't been able to produce offensively at the same level since Faulds was the offensive coordinator. The following day on January 9, 2013, Mike Comeau, the Lions' Offensive Line coach, was promoted to Offensive Coordinator following Faulds' departure.{{cite web |title=Comeau named new offensive coordinator of Lions football |url=https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2013/01/09/comeau-named-new-offensive-coordinator-of-lions-football/ |website=YFile |publisher=York University |date=9 January 2013}}

However, much worse news happened in February, as the team's recruiting coordinator, Daniel Younis, was arrested on charges relating to child pornography and child-luring.{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Jodee |title=Former York University assistant football coach facing child pornography charges |url=https://financialpost.com/news/toronto/former-york-university-assistant-football-coach-facing-child-pornography-charges |website=Financial Post |publisher=Post Media |access-date=28 February 2023}} York University immediately severed ties with Younis following the arrest. Later that April, Younis was charged with eight more counts of child-luring.{{cite web |last1=Luxen |first1=Micah |title=Former York University football coach arrested for second time on child pornography charges |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2013/04/29/former_york_university_football_coach_arrested_for_second_time_on_child_pornography_charges.html |website=Toronto Star |date=29 April 2013 |access-date=28 February 2023}} This led to many issues and concerns with incoming recruits who were in direct contact with Younis, as well with those who were not as the news made national headlines. This severely affected the team's ability to recruit and affected the program in the years following.

In 2013, the Lions finished 2–6 leading to an 8th overall finish in the OUA and matching their previous season's record. Their wins came against their former coach Michael Faulds' Laurier Golden Hawks 33–20,{{Cite web |title=Football vs Laurier Golden Hawks on 9/7/2013 - Box Score |url=https://yorkulions.ca/sports/football/stats/2013/laurier-golden-hawks/boxscore/2878 |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} and against the reborn Carleton Ravens 50–34.{{Cite web |title=Football vs Carleton Ravens on 9/21/2013 - Box Score |url=https://yorkulions.ca/sports/football/stats/2013/carleton-ravens/boxscore/2880 |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} This season also saw York lose to the Toronto Varsity Blues for the first time since 2011, a 56–35 loss which saw Toronto score 32 points in the second quarter.{{cite web |title=BLUES CLAIM 44TH ARGO CUP IN DOMINANT WIN OVER LIONS |url=https://varsityblues.ca/news/2013/10/10/FB_1010135346.aspx |website=University of Toronto Athletics |language=en |date=10 October 2013}}

Following that season, Craney signed a contract extension to remain at the helm of the program{{cite web|url=http://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2013/11/20/york-university-extends-warren-craneys-term-as-head-coach-of-the-football-program/|title=York University extends Warren Craney's term as head coach of the football program|publisher=York University|date=November 20, 2013}} and parted ways with LaFlamme.

The effects of the 2013 offseason hit the program hard as the Lions went 0–8 in the 2014 season for the first time since 2010 which started with back-to-back massive losses; one a 61–0 loss to the Western Mustangs,{{cite web |url=https://oua.ca/boxscore.aspx?id=RYFRpoYS4FV%2Fcl0W76pVj94oceLA5CYG4SPAGztzutvCw2lCA%2Bv3u8kVM0gu0APh27SiZ7J5KmBq5u5ACAeiyeJYM%2FDWVp5HdiEInfXTh3lw9ADl1EDLyJ7RLaqQqLv1&path=football |title=York Lions vs Western Mustangs |website=OUA |date=June 9, 2014 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |language=en}} and the other an embarrassing 70–0 loss to their rivals, the Toronto Varsity Blues.{{cite web |last1=Canadian Press |title=Gavac leads Varsity Blues past York Lions 70-0 |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/usports/gavac-leads-varsity-blues-past-york-lions-70-0/ |website=SportsNet |access-date=28 February 2023}}

The closest game of the season came against the Waterloo Warriors, where York had a strong 4th quarter that saw RB Connor Anderson score a TD with 14 seconds remaining. However, the point after attempt kick was fumbled; leaving the score at 32–31 Waterloo. York would recover an onside kick to get one more chance, but kicker Nick Naylor missed a 56-yard FG attempt to win the game as time expired.{{cite web |title=LIONS END SEASON WITH HEARTBREAKING LOSS TO WARRIORS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2014/10/25/FB_1025141614.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=25 October 2014}}

The 2015 offseason saw York bring in one of the best recruiting classes in the country, headlined by QB Brett Hunchak, SB Colton Hunchak, WR Jacob Janke, LB Jakob Butler, LB Jakub Jakoubek, WR Nathaniel Pinto, TE Nikola Kalinic, and RB Jesse Amankwaa.{{cite web |title=YORK SIGNS FIVE PROGRAM-CHANGING RECRUITS FROM ALBERTA |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2015/2/25/FB_0225152814.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=25 February 2015}}{{cite web |title=LIONS BOLSTER OFFENCE WITH THREE MORE COMMITS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2015/3/30/FB_0330155918.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=30 March 2015}}{{cite web |title=2015 CIS COMMITS – CanadaFootballChat.com |url=https://www.canadafootballchat.com/2015-cis-football-commits/ |website=CanadaFootballChat.com |language=en-CA}} A lot of the recruiting success can be attributed to Craney also serving as the Head Coach of Team Canada for the IFAF World Junior Championships; a position he held from 2014 to 2016 winning a silver and gold medal over two tournaments.{{Cite web |author=3Down Staff |date=2024-01-19 |title=Warren Craney named Team Canada head coach for 2024 IFAF World Junior Championship in Edmonton |url=https://3downnation.com/2024/01/19/warren-craney-named-team-canada-head-coach-for-2024-ifaf-world-junior-championship-in-edmonton/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=3DownNation |language=en-US}}

In the 2015 season, the young Lions improved to a 1–7 record with their lone win coming against the Waterloo Warriors 23–14.{{Cite web |date=2015-09-19 |title=AMANKWAA'S TWO TOUCHDOWNS LEAD LIONS OVER WARRIORS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2015/9/19/FB_0919151517.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} York capped off the season by nearly upsetting the #10 ranked Queen's Gaels, losing 33–32.{{Cite web |date=2015-10-17 |title=LIONS END SEASON WITH ONE-POINT LOSS TO NO. 10 GAELS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2015/10/17/FB_1017154304.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} The Lions also had 4 players named to the OUA All-Rookie team (RB Jesse Amankwaa, LB Jakob Butler, SB Colton Hunchak, and WR Nathaniel Pinto{{Cite web |date=2015-11-10 |title=QUARTET OF LIONS NAMED TO OUA ALL-ROOKIE TEAM |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2015/11/10/FB_1110151024.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}) with Amankwaa winning OUA Rookie of the Year.{{Cite web |date=2015-11-12 |title=AMANKWAA NAMED OUA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2015/11/12/FB_1112152733.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

During the offseason, Offensive Coordinator Mike Comeau stepped away from his position. On November 27, 2015, York announced former McMaster Marauder QB and Hec Crighton award winner Kyle Quinlan as the new offensive coordinator, with Kamau Peterson remaining in his role as associate offensive coordinator.{{Cite web |date=2015-11-27 |title=YORK HIRES QUINLAN AS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR OF FOOTBALL TEAM |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2015/11/27/FB_1127154023.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

York started the 2016 season off well winning 2 of their first 3 games against Waterloo and Windsor. In their 56–32 win over the Windsor Lancers, QB Brett Hunchak set a single-game York record for pass yards with 540.{{Cite web |date=2016-09-10 |title=LIONS TOPPLE LANCERS FOR SECOND WIN OF THE SEASON |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2016/9/10/football-recap.aspx |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} However, their week 4 loss to Toronto 45–18 was the turning point of the season, as York would lose all their remaining games by a combined score of 220–37 and finish 2–6.{{Cite web |title=2016 Football Schedule |url=https://yorkulions.ca/sports/football/schedule/2016 |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

After the season in December, Quinlan left the team to coach at his alma mater, McMaster. Kamau Peterson was named the interim Offensive Coordinator and later named the permanent OC on January 25, 2017.{{Cite web |date=2017-01-25 |title=YORK REMOVES PETERSON'S INTERIM TAG, SEARCHES FOR DEFENSIVE ASSISTANT |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2017/1/25/football-york-defensive-coach.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

File:2017 Red and Blue Bowl (York).jpg on offence against the Toronto Varsity Blues (09/23/2017).]]

Prior to the 2017 season, York hired two new assistants: Two-time CIS All-Canadian Jesse Alexander was named Special Teams Coordinator on April 5, 2017,{{Cite web |date=2017-04-05 |title=YORK SELECTS ALEXANDER AS NEW SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2017/4/5/football-alexander.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} and three-time CIS All-Canadian Sammy Okpro was hired as Defensive Coordinator on July 17, 2017; the latter whom played under Craney while both were with the Concordia Stingers.{{Cite web |date=2017-07-17 |title=YORK NAMES OKPRO DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR OF LIONS FOOTBALL TEAM |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2017/7/17/york-names-okpro-dc.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

The Lions suffered two blowout losses to start the year to the Western Mustangs and Waterloo Warriors, but put up a strong fight against the #9 ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees; losing 26–17.{{Cite web |date=2017-09-09 |title=NO. 9 GEE-GEES ESCAPE WITH NARROW WIN OVER LIONS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2017/9/9/football-recap.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} The following week, York would beat the Toronto Varsity Blues handily; winning 41–16,{{Cite web |date=2017-09-23 |title=LIONS CLAIM ARGO CUP WITH DOMINANT WIN OVER RIVAL BLUES |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2017/9/23/varsity-athletics-lions-claim-argo-cup.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} which was the Lions' lone win of that season. York would finish the year with a 1–7 record, but started to show more life offensively down the stretch.

On April 24, 2018, Jesse Alexander stepped down as Special Teams Coordinator with York,{{Cite web |date=2018-04-24 |title=ALEXANDER STEPS DOWN AS SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2018/4/24/football-alexander-steps-down-as-special-teams-coordinator.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} and on the same day was announced as the new Defensive Coordinator for the Windsor Lancers.{{Cite web |date=2018-04-24 |title=Jesse Alexander named Defensive Coordinator |url=https://golancers.ca/news/2018/4/24/football-jesse-alexander-named-defensive-coordinator.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Windsor Lancers |language=en}}

York started the 2018 season with back-to-back losses to the Queen's Gaels{{Cite web |title=Gaels pick up 100th win for Coach Sheahan {{!}} Queen's Gazette |url=http://www.queensu.ca:443/gazette/stories/gaels-pick-100th-win-coach-sheahan |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=www.queensu.ca |language=en}} and Guelph Gryphons.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-03 |title=LIONS DROP WEEK 2 GAME TO GRYPHONS ON RECORD BREAKING DAY FOR HUNCHAK |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2018/9/3/football-lions-drop-week-2-game-to-gryphons-on-record-breaking-day-for-hunchak.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} Their next game saw the Lions start off strong, leading them to a win against the Windsor Lancers 29–22,{{cite web |title=LIONS STRONG START CARRIES THEM TO FIRST WIN OF 2018 AGAINST LANCERS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2018/9/7/football-lions-strong-start-carries-them-to-first-win-of-2018-against-lancers.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=7 September 2018}} followed up by a 76–3 loss to the #1 nationally ranked Western Mustangs{{Cite web |date=2018-09-15 |title=LIONS LOSE ON ROAD AGAINST NUMBER ONE RANKED MUSTANGS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2018/9/15/football-lions-lose-on-road-against-number-one-ranked-mustangs.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} and a 42–16 loss to the Ottawa Gee-Gees.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-22 |title=LIONS FALL ON ROAD TO GEE-GEE'S |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2018/9/22/football-lions-fall-on-road-to-gee-gee-s.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

The week 6 contest versus the Waterloo Warriors was the Lions highlight of the year. York started the game very strong with a 26–14 lead heading into the half over the heavily-favoured Warriors. However, Warriors QB Tre Ford led a massive comeback to give the Warriors a 31–26 lead with 12:01 left in the 4th Quarter. York's offense responded with a 9-play drive capped off with Lions QB Brett Hunchak throwing a 5-yard TD pass to his brother, Colton Hunchak to regain the lead. The Lions then converted the 2-point conversion on a pass to RB Kayden Johnson to make the score 34–31. After a Waterloo drive stalled out, Waterloo kicker Caleb Girard missed a field goal, but managed to score a rouge to bring the score to 34–32 York. After the ensuing York drive ended in a punt, Waterloo QB Tre Ford, whom threw for 437 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game, led a massive drive to bring the Warriors to the Lions 25-yard line with 10 seconds remaining. On the ensuing field goal attempt, the kick was blocked by freshman LB Matt Dean, leading to a York victory.{{cite web |title=THRILLING WIN ON HOMECOMING WEEKEND FOR LIONS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2018/9/29/football-thrilling-win-on-homecoming-weekend-for-lions.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=29 September 2018}}{{Citation |title=York Lions HIGHLIGHTS {{!}} Football vs. Waterloo Warriors - Sep. 29, 2018 | date=8 October 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RePsbBDh06s |access-date=2024-01-24 |language=en}}

York would lose their next game against the Carleton Ravens 35–20, knocking them out of playoff contention.{{cite web |title=LIONS COMEBACK BID FALLS SHORT IN LOSS TO RAVENS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2018/10/12/football-lions-comeback-bid-falls-short-in-loss-to-ravens.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=12 October 2018}} York would finish the season with a 31–15 victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues,{{Cite web |date=2018-10-20 |title=LIONS END SEASON WITH WIN OVER BLUES IN 49TH EDITION OF RED AND BLUE BOWL |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2018/10/20/football-lions-end-season-with-win-over-blues-in-49th-edition-of-red-and-blue-bowl.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} ending the year with a 3–5 record; the most wins the program has had in 13 years.

The Lions were hopeful in building off their previous season and returned many starters for the 2019 season while losing some key players to the CFL (namely SB Colton Hunchak and TE Nikola Kalinic). However, injuries to key starters and mistakes caused the Lions to start the season 0–6, averaging 14.3 points for and 39.2 points against in those contests. Their lone win came against the Toronto Varsity Blues, a 34–14 win,{{cite web |title=ARGO CUP STAYS AT YORK AFTER DOMINANT WIN OVER BLUES IN 50TH RED & BLUE BOWL |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2019/10/12/football-argo-cup-stays-at-york-after-dominant-win-over-blues-in-50th-red-blue-bowl.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=11 October 2019}} then followed up with a 23–2 loss to the Queen's Gaels{{cite web |title=LIONS END SEASON WITH LOSS TO GAELS IN KINGSTON |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2019/10/19/football-lions-end-season-with-loss-to-gaels-in-kingston.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=19 October 2019}} to finish the year with a 1–7 record.

After the season, the Lions and Offensive Coordinator Kamau Peterson parted ways.

Prior to the 2020 season, York hired two-time Hec Crighton trophy winner Tommy Denison as their new offensive coordinator, whom previously was with the Toronto Varsity Blues in 2019.{{cite web |title=YORK TABS DENISON AS NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2020/4/6/football-york-tabs-denison-as-new-offensive-coordinator.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=6 April 2020}}

After the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 season, York was hopeful of potentially making the OUA postseason for the first time since 2004 with modified playoff qualifications where they would needed to finish 4th in the 5-team OUA East division.{{cite web |title=OUA ANNOUNCES FALL SPORT SCHEDULES FOR 2021-22 SEASON |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2021/6/30/varsity-athletics-oua-announces-fall-sport-schedules-for-2021-22-season.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=30 June 2021}}

York opened the 2021 season with a 37–6 loss to the Laurier Golden Hawks, followed up by a 30–17 loss to the Carleton Ravens. York would lose a heartbreaker in their next game to the Ottawa Gee-Gees 20–17, where Ottawa QB Ben Maracle threw a TD pass to Nick Gendron with 1:06 remaining in the game.{{cite web |title=LIONS LOSE NAIL-BITER TO GEE-GEES IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2021/10/9/football-lions-lose-nail-biter-to-gee-gees-in-the-nations-capital.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=9 October 2021}} The following game, despite a very strong defensive effort only giving up 139 total yards of offence, York lost to the Toronto Varsity Blues 25–2; ending a 4-year reign as the Argo Cup Champions.{{cite web |title=VARSITY BLUES CLAIM ARGO CUP WITH 51ST RED & BLUE BOWL VICTORY OVER LIONS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2021/10/16/football-varsity-blues-claim-argo-cup-with-51st-red-blue-bowl-victory-over-lions.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=16 October 2021}} After that loss, York would drop their final two games by a combined score of 89–9 to the McMaster Marauders and a rematch with Toronto; finishing the year 0–6 and last in the OUA East division.

After the season, York and Denison would part ways. On April 2, 2022, Warren Craney was put on a leave of absence as the school conducted a thorough review and investigation of the football program with Defensive Coordinator Sammy Okpro being named Interim Head Coach during that time. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, Craney was reinstated as the Head Coach for the 2022 season{{cite web |last1=Callan |first1=Isaac |title=York Lions football coach on leave while university conducts investigation |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8723868/york-university-football-coach-investigation/ |website=Global News }} with Okpro returning to his DC role.

Prior to the season starting, Craney promoted Special Teams Coordinator, Nathaniel Griffith, to Offensive Coordinator,{{Cite web |date=2022-08-05 |title=LONGTIME LION GRIFFITH EARNS PROMOTION TO OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2022/8/5/football-longtime-lion-griffith-earns-promotion-to-offensive-coordinator.aspx |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} and hired former CFLer Brian Jones as the new Special Teams Coordinator. During the 2022 season, the Lions finished 1–7 with their lone win coming against the McMaster Marauders, whom had to forfeit the contest for having an ineligible player on their roster.{{cite news |last1=Radley |first1=Scott |title=Mac forfeits football games due to ineligible player |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/football/2022/09/10/mcmaster-marauders-football-team-forfeits.html |website=The Hamilton Spectator |date=10 September 2022 |publisher=The Hamilton Spectator |access-date=28 February 2023}}

The biggest bright spot for the season was KR/SB Alfred Olay, whom led the nation in All-purpose yards (1,377 yards) and was named a First-team U Sports All-Canadian returner; the first Lion to be named to that team since Andre Durie in 2004.{{cite web |title=OLAY RECOGNIZED AS U SPORTS FIRST-TEAM ALL-CANADIAN AFTER BREAKOUT OUA SEASON |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2022/11/24/football-olay-recognized-as-u-sports-first-team-all-canadian-after-breakout-oua-season.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=24 November 2022}} Olay also was an OUA First-team All-Star returner, with DE Jason Janvier-Messier and LB Matt Dean being named to the Second-team.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-09 |title=TRIO OF LIONS EARN OUA ALL-STAR NODS AFTER STELLAR 2022 SEASONS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2022/11/9/football-trio-of-lions-earn-oua-all-star-nods-after-stellar-2022-seasons.aspx |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

After the season, Craney stepped down as Head Coach with Okpro again being named the Interim Head Coach. Craney was the longest tenured Head Coach in the history of the program at 12 seasons.

During the 2023 offseason, Okpro and York parted ways, leaving a vacancy at head coach. After a search for a replacement, Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Griffith and Special Teams Coordinator Brian Jones were named Associate Head Coaches just two weeks prior to the start of the regular season.{{cite web |title=LIONS FINALIZE ASSOCIATE HEAD COACHES FOR 2023 |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2023/8/14/football-lions-finalize-associate-head-coaches-for-2023.aspx |website=York University Athletics |date=August 14, 2023}} This marked the 2nd time in program history that York would name associate Head Coaches to lead the program.

York started the campaign with an 83–0 loss to the eventual Yates Cup Champion Western Mustangs,{{cite web |title=LIONS DROP HOME OPENER TO MUSTANGS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2023/8/26/football-lions-drop-home-opener-to-mustangs.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=26 August 2023}} but bounced back to a closer 53–32 loss against the Waterloo Warriors.{{cite web |last1=Kaur |first1=Arpan |title=LIONS OFFENCE SHOWS FLASHES IN WEEK 2 LOSS TO WARRIORS |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2023/9/3/mens-soccer-lions-offence-shows-flashes-in-week-2-loss-to-warriors.aspx |website=York University Athletics |language=en |date=3 September 2023}} York lost every other remaining game by wide margins; being outscored 10 to 424 in the remaining 6 games. This included an 87–0 loss to the Queen's Gaels, which set their single-game record for most points scored and largest margin of victory in the program's 141-year history,{{cite web |last1=Gorander |first1=Tim |title=Records smashed as Queen's Gaels crush York Lions, 87-0 |url=https://www.thewhig.com/sports/records-smash-as-queens-gaels-crush-york-lions-87-0 |website=The Kingston Whig Standard }} and an 88–7 loss to the Guelph Gryphons, which is the most points scored in a single game in their history.{{cite web |last1=Massey |first1=Rob |title=Guelph native Tomas big part of big Gryphons blowout |url=https://www.guelphtoday.com/pursuit/guelph-native-tomas-big-part-of-big-gryphons-blowout-7591091 |website=GuelphToday.com |language=en |date=24 September 2023}}

After the disastrous 2023 season where the Lions allowed an average of 70 points per game and only scored 5.25 points per game, York's athletic department started a national search for a new head coach.{{cite web |last1=Hodge |first1=John |title=York Lions searching for permanent head coach following winless season |url=https://3downnation.com/2023/11/27/york-lions-searching-for-permanent-head-coach-following-winless-season/ |website=3DownNation |date=27 November 2023}}

File:2024, York Lions football vs Windsor Lancers.jpg

On January 22, 2024, York announced the former Head Coach of the CJFL's Westshore Rebels and former CFLer Dexter Janke as the program's 12th Head Coach.{{cite web |title="RESETTING THE STANDARD": LIONS APPOINT DEXTER JANKE 12TH FOOTBALL HEAD COACH IN PROGRAM HISTORY |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2024/1/22/football-resetting-the-standard-lions-appoint-dexter-janke-12th-football-head-coach-in-program-history.aspx |website=York University Athletics |access-date=22 January 2024 |language=en |date=22 January 2024}} Janke was the 2023 CJFL coach of the year following a perfect regular season and set various offensive and defensive records in the CJFL. On March 28, 2024, York named former McMaster Marauders head coach Greg Knox as the teams' new defensive coordinator and on June 11, the team hired Rick Walters as their new offensive coordinator, who was with the Alberta Golden Bears from 2019 to 2023.{{cite web |title=LIONS TAP KNOX AS NEW FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2024/3/28/football-lions-tap-knox-as-new-football-defensive-coordinator.aspx |website=York Lions Athletics|date=28 March 2024 }}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-11 |title=WALTERS NAMED LIONS FOOTBALL OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2024/6/11/football-walters-named-lions-football-offensive-coordinator.aspx |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

York started the season with a 0–3 start, but showed much improvement from the year before. In their fourth game against the Toronto Varsity Blues, York won 19-17; snapping a 17-game losing streak (26-game streak when ignoring their forfeit win vs. McMaster in 2022). The winning touchdown came early in the fourth quarter when slotback Avontae McKoy broke off a 75-yard touchdown run putting the score at 18-11 before a Nathan Walker rouge made it 19-11. Toronto responded with a touchdown from quarterback Kaleb O'Donahue to wide receiver Dane Hurley with 36 seconds remaining, but failed the two-point convert and did not recover the ensuing onside kick.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-21 |title=LIONS CLAIM 54TH RED & BLUE BOWL AND FIRST WIN OF 2024 SEASON |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2024/9/21/football-lions-claim-54th-red-blue-bowl-and-first-win-of-2024-season.aspx |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

York would get their second win of the season in week 7 against the Waterloo Warriors beating them 39–24; giving York its first multi-win season in six years and their first win at York Lions Stadium since it became the team's venue in 2021.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-05 |title=LIONS OVERCOME EARLY DEFICIT TO ROAR PAST WARRIORS ON HOMECOMING DAY, WIN FIRST HOME GAME AT YORK LIONS STADIUM |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2024/10/5/football-lions-overcome-early-deficit-to-roar-past-warriors-on-homecoming-day-win-first-home-game-at-york-lions-stadium.aspx |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}} In week 9, York had a 2–5 record and found itself an opportunity to qualify for the postseason for the first time in 20 years if they were to beat the McMaster Marauders in their final game (with the Laurier Golden Hawks and Ottawa Gee-Gees needing to win their final games to give York an advantage in tie-breakers) to take the 7th playoff seed.{{Cite web|date=2024-10-15 |title=Piecing together the postseason puzzle with the Week 9 slate ahead |url=https://oua.ca/sports/fball/2024-25/releases/tiebreakers |language=en}} Unfortunately, York lost a close game 24–21 to finish the year with a 2–6 record.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-19 |title=LIONS FALL JUST SHORT TO MARAUDERS, NARROWLY MISS OUT ON OUA PLAYOFFS IN JANKE'S FIRST SEASON AS HEAD COACH |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2024/10/19/football-lions-fall-just-short-to-marauders-narrowly-miss-out-on-oua-playoffs-in-jankes-first-season-as-head-coach.aspx |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=York University Athletics |language=en}}

Despite the finish, the Lions were a much better team than they were in 2023 finishing with an average of 16.4 points for and 28.6 points against for their games in 2024 with a point differential of -99; their lowest since 2012 where it was -82.

On January 10, 2025, York announced the hiring of Eli Haynes from the CJFL's Okanagan Sun as the new Special Teams Coordinator;{{cite web |title=LIONS HIRE ELI HAYNES AS SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR |url=https://yorkulions.ca/news/2025/1/20/football-lions-hire-eli-haynes-as-special-teams-coordinator.aspx |website=York University Athletics |access-date=3 February 2025 |language=en |date=20 January 2025}} replacing Brian Jones from the role. As well, the team began searching for a new offensive coordinator.

On March 13, York announced that McMaster Marauders starting quarterback and OUA second-team all-star, Keagan Hall, was grad-transferring to the Lions.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=3Down |date=2025-03-14 |title=OUA all-star QB, CFL Combine invitee Keagan Hall transfers to York from McMaster |url=https://3downnation.com/2025/03/14/oua-all-star-qb-cfl-combine-invitee-keagan-hall-transfers-to-york-from-mcmaster/ |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=3DownNation |language=en-US}}

The following is the record of the York Lions football team since their inception in 1968:

All records are as of 2022{{cite web |url-status=live |archive-date=3 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803061209/https://yorkulions.ca/documents/2022/5/16/Football_Record_Book_2021.pdf |date=16 May 2022 |website=yorkulions.ca |language=en |access-date=9 August 2023 |title=Football Record Book |url=https://yorkulions.ca/documents/2022/5/16/Football_Record_Book_2021.pdf}}

File:Argo Cup.jpg

The Lions maintain a competitive rivalry with their crosstown rivals, the Toronto Varsity Blues, and the two teams play annually in a game called the Red & Blue Bowl.{{cite web|url=https://yorkulions.ca/sports/2013/4/16/HTRedBlueBowl.aspx|title=Red & Blue Bowl|publisher=York Lions|access-date=May 17, 2020}} The first meeting occurred on September 11, 1970, which was an exhibition match won by the Varsity Blues. At a time when Toronto was a dominant program, the Varsity Blues won the first 14 match ups until York won their first Red & Blue Bowl game in 1984.{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/varsityblues/docs/2016_varsity_blues_football_media_g|title=2016 University of Toronto Varsity Blues Football Media Guide|publisher=Toronto Varsity Blues|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=May 17, 2020}} York's longest stretch of dominance began in 1996 when the Lions won their first of 12 consecutive matches, which ended after their 2007 victory. Overall, as of the 2024 season, the Lions hold a {{Tooltip|20–34|20 Wins, 34 Losses}} record in the Red & Blue Bowl.{{cite web|url=https://varsityblues.ca/documents/2020/1/15//Head_to_Head_Records_Toronto_vs_OUA_Schools.pdf?id=4743|title=Head-to-head records, Toronto vs OUA schools|publisher=Toronto Varsity Blues|access-date=May 17, 2020}}

• Jeff Johnson – Peter Gorman Trophy (1996)
• Jacob Janke – Russ Jackson Award (2019)

As of the end of the 2024 CFL season, six former Lions players were on CFL teams' rosters:

• Daniel Amoako, Calgary Stampeders
• Luther Hakunavanhu, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
• Colton Hunchak, Saskatchewan Roughriders
• Jason Janvier-Messier, Calgary Stampeders
• Chris Kolankowski, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
• James Tuck, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/players/|title=CFL players|publisher=Canadian Football League|access-date=October 21, 2024}}

As of the start of the 2024 NFL season, one former Lions player was on an NFL team's roster:

• Nikola Kalinic, Los Angeles Rams

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