After serving as an assistant coach from 2001 to 2003—highlighted by a provincial and national title in 2002—Stephen O’Kane took over as head coach of the Algonquin College men’s soccer team in 2004. Under his leadership, the team dominated the OCAA, winning four straight provincial championships (2004–2007) and reaching the national Final Four each year. In 2006, they captured the national title with a commanding 16-1 goal differential.

O’Kane compiled an impressive 38-3-1 record as head coach before departing in 2008 to lead the Ottawa Fury of the Premier Development League. His first season ended just shy of a playoff berth with a 9-4-3 record. In 2009, the Fury went unbeaten at 12-0-4, claiming the Northeast Division title.