Orlondo Steinauer serves as President of Football Operations for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, focusing exclusively on the role following the hiring of Scott Milanovich as the club’s 27th Head Coach on December 5, 2023.

A leader on and off the field, Steinauer was originally named the Tiger-Cats’ 26th Head Coach on December 3, 2018, and his responsibilities expanded to include President of Football Operations on December 24, 2021. Over four seasons as head coach, Steinauer compiled a 39-29 regular-season record and guided the team to three straight playoff appearances, including back-to-back Grey Cup berths in 2019 and 2021.

His debut season in 2019 was one of the most successful in franchise history. Steinauer led Hamilton to a CFL-best 15-3 record, tying a league mark for wins by a first-year head coach and setting a new franchise record. The Tiger-Cats also went undefeated at home (9-0) for the first time ever and finished first overall in the CFL standings for the first time since 1998. That season, the team led the league in points scored (551) and allowed the fewest points against (344) — a franchise best for an 18-game season. Steinauer’s outstanding performance earned him the Annis Stukus Trophy as CFL Coach of the Year.

Steinauer’s coaching journey with the Tiger-Cats began in 2013 as Defensive Coordinator. He was promoted to Assistant Head Coach in 2016 and returned to the team in 2018 after a one-year stint as Defensive Coordinator at Fresno State, where he played a pivotal role in one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NCAA FBS history. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs improved from a 1-11 season in 2016 to 10-4 in 2017 and a Hawaii Bowl championship. Fresno State’s defense ranked first in the Mountain West in scoring and was among the top 15 nationally in several key categories, earning Steinauer a nomination for the prestigious Broyles Award.

During his time coordinating the Tiger-Cats’ defense (2013–2016, 2018), his units consistently ranked among the league’s best. Hamilton reached the Grey Cup in both 2013 and 2014 and produced numerous CFL All-Stars, including Ted Laurent, Simoni Lawrence, Delvin Breaux, and Emanuel Davis. In 2015, the Tiger-Cats led the CFL in takeaways (52), interceptions (26, tied), and defensive touchdowns (8), and their 184 points off turnovers also topped the league.

Steinauer began his CFL coaching career with the Toronto Argonauts in 2010 as Defensive Backs Coach and later took over defensive coordinator duties in 2011. His units excelled in pass defense and helped the Argos capture the 100th Grey Cup in 2012.

Before transitioning into coaching, Steinauer enjoyed a stellar 13-year CFL playing career with Ottawa, Hamilton, and Toronto. A versatile and intelligent defensive back, he was named an all-star at cornerback, halfback, and safety, earning seven East Division All-Star selections and five CFL All-Star honours. He won two Grey Cups and ranks second all-time in CFL history with 1,178 interception return yards.

Steinauer began coaching during the off-seasons of his playing career at Western Washington University, his alma mater. In 2009, he joined Sportsnet as a CFL analyst and founded The Ozone, a charitable foundation focused on helping underserved communities.

A native of Seattle, Washington, Orlondo Steinauer remains one of the most respected and accomplished football minds in the Canadian game — as both a player and executive.

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