Now hear this! With family deaf history, ex-U of L star Stefan LeFors was made to order or his new coaching job

By RUSS BROWN Photos Provided 

It’s been quite a year for former University of Louisville quarterback Stefan LeFors, a fan favorite while playing for coach Bobby Petrino from 2000-2004. 

In April LeFors, 43, landed his first football head coaching job at the college level when he was hired by Gallaudet University in Washington DC. Then in August, the ex-Christian Academy (CAL) coach learned he had been elected to the U of L Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Gallaudet is a small, private university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students that was chartered in 1864 and is the only university in the world where every program and service is designed to serve deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Nicknamed “Home of the Huddle,” it’s the birthplace of American Sign Language and it’s where the football huddle was invented in 1894, used by deaf players to keep opponents from reading their signs. The Bison are an NCAA Division III school that plays in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. 

With his strong connection to Gallaudet, LeFors seems to have been destined for the job. He is the only hearing member of his immediate family, which has a history of deafness over three generations. LeFors’ father, mother and brother are deaf, as are his paternal grandparents. His dad, Larry, was born deaf. Stefan’s mother, Susan, and older brother, Eric, became deaf as a child after having mumps. (LeFors’ son, Luke, 18, and daughter, Ella, 16, aren’t hearing impaired). 

Eric was a quarterback at Gallaudet (1996-99); Susan was on the volleyball team (1977-78); his uncle, Nick LeFors Jr., played men’s basketball and golf (1973-75); Nick’s wife Peggy, (‘76) was a member of the cheer squad and another uncle, David, attended the school (‘86-89). 

“My ties to GU run deep with family members and being on campus as a kid watching my brother play football in the late 1990s,” LeFors said when he was hired. “It really makes this even more of a unique and special opportunity for me and my family. 

“I grew up in the deaf world and I love football. I never imagined I’d be the coach at Gallaudet one day, but here I am. Wow! I heard about Gallaudet all the time growing up. Now I have the opportunity to live in both worlds at once. It’s a wonderful opportunity. As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) I think I can build strong connections with players.” 

“I’m incredibly humbled and excited for this next chapter and grateful for the opportunity to grow, learn and take on new challenges,” he added. “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.” 

Eye contact was vital in the LeFors household in Baton Rouge, La., and that might help explain his skill at reading defenses. “I learned to communicate with my eyes from a young age, learning to pick things up,” he said. “Maybe a guy from a normal hearing family wouldn’t pick it up.” 

Petrino said he sought advice from LeFors when the coaching staff needed new hand signals or play names. He said his QB thought differently and saw the field differently. 

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Coach Stefan LeFors to the Gallaudet family as our new head football coach,” Gallaudet athletic director Warren Keller said. “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. 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.” 

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

Prior to Parkview, from 2011-19, LeFors compiled an 86-20 record and won two Kentucky 2A State Championships (2016, ‘18) and seven district championships at CAL. In 2016, he was named AP Coach of the Year for Kentucky. In addition, he was named district coach of the year five times. 

“I wouldn’t change my life for anything,” LeFors said in a 2003 ESPN interview. “I have a great family, great parents, grandparents, everybody. They just can’t hear. So we talk with our hands. It’s not a big deal to me.” 

U of L HALL OF FAME 

LeFors (2000-04) will be inducted into the U of L Athletics Hall of Fame in November, along with others. “I am so thankful for my coaches, teammates, support staff, Cardinal fans and especially my wife and family who have been a huge part of this journey. Thank you!” LeFors said in a release. 

He helped bring the U of L football program onto the national stage by leading the Cardinals to 20 wins as a starter, which included a victory over No. 10 Boise State in the 2004 Liberty Bowl. A two-time first-team All-Conference USA quarterback, LeFors ranks eighth in school history in passing yards with 5,853 and is tied for eighth in touchdown passes with 38. 

Known for his impeccable accuracy, LeFors stands second in the program with a completion percentage of 66.0 percent. As a senior in 2004, LeFors guided the Cards to an 11-1 record and a top 10 ranking in the final polls. In throwing for 2,596 yards and 20 touchdowns, he led the nation in completion percentage with a school record 73.5%, passing efficiency at 181.7 and passing yards per attempt at 10.1. LeFors was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after accounting for three touchdowns. He rushed 12 times for 76 yards for a touchdown and completed 18-of-26 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns. 

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. He returned to Louisville in 2010 as an academic specialist prior to starting his coaching career. 

In addition to LeFors, the Hall of Fame class includes Lola Arslanbekova, Volleyball (2009-2012); Candyce Bingham, Women’s Basketball (2007-2009); Nikki Boltja, Lacrosse (2011-2014); Joao De Lucca, Men’s Swimming (2011-2014); Adam Duvall, Baseball (2009-2010); Christine Exeter, Women’s Soccer (2010-2013); Peyton Siva, Men’s Basketball (2009-2013); Russ Smith, Men’s Basketball (2010-2014); and Alyssa Voelmle, Field Hockey (2011-2014). 

The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and the induction ceremony to follow. Tickets are $75 per person, or $750 for a table of 10, and may be purchased online through “My Cardinal Account” at GoCards.com, specifically at this link: https://am.ticketmaster.com/uofl/buy/25hof.