Sept. 8th, 1937: Welcoming (back) Stan O'Neil

The image below is from an unusual source for this site: The North Bay Nugget!

O'Neil was among the first American players to suit up for the Ottawa Rough Riders. He did not participate during the 1936 season, however, because he did not meet the requirements to do so. The article below, also from the Nugget, explains. 

Following that ruling, O'Neil returned to the States. He spent the summer in Ottawa in 1937 in order to meet the criteria to play for the Rough Riders in the fall. He remained with the team through to the 1941 season inclusively, winning the Grey Cup in 1940.

There is an error in the article above, aside from the one-word spelling of Rough Riders. The other player ruled ineligible in 1936 was Tony Rosso, not Tommy. While O'Neil chose to head home, Rosso stuck around town and coached St. Patrick's to their first Eastern Ontario senior high school championship.

I don't believe that Rosso returned to the Rough Riders or to St. Pat's for that matter. The Ottawa Journal reported, in May of 1937, that Rosso had continued coaching but at Washington and Jefferson College in the U.S.

But in 1936, neither man could play for the Rough Riders because, in effect, they didn't spend enough time pretending to live in Canada.

Oct. 1907: Rough Riders and St. Patrick's Merge

The history of the Rough Riders includes a number of mergers and amalgamations with other local clubs. They absorbed the Ottawa Trojans in the mid-40s, combined with a St. Brigid's club in 1923 and merged with the University of Ottawa squad in 1913.

Much of the details of those events have been recorded here, so today we'll go even further back to the club's rebirth in 1907 as the IRFU (Big Four) was being formed. The Rough Riders and a club from St. Patrick's combined to join the new Union. 

It wouldn't be a an Ottawa football team restructure without a debate about the name!

I haven't come across a list of name suggestions as of yet. The Rough Riders name stuck, perhaps in part because most of the new roster was built from the previous year's version of that team. The articles above are from October 2nd, the one below is from October 11th.

Using the "professional" tag for this post is more a reference to what this team would become than how it operated at that point, based on the second item below. 

Their first season under the new structure would be underwhelming as they achieved two wins and four losses. The 1908 club, however, would win five out of six and take first place in the Big Four.

REDBLACKS Signings for the Week of Dec. 19th to 23rd.

A slower week of re-signings going into the holiday season but focused on the defensive line.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed national defensive lineman Kene Onyeka to a two-year contract, the team announced today. 

Onyeka, 26, is coming off his third CFL season, all with the REDBLACKS, in which he enjoyed the highest production of his career. The Lagos, Nigeria native, who grew up in Brampton, Ontario, appeared in 17 games, recording 26 total tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble.

"I'm very happy to sign on for another two years with the REDBLACKS," said Onyeka. "I'm just happy to get to do what I love in a place that I love."

A product of the Carleton Ravens, Onyeka was selected in the fourth round, 29th overall, by the REDBLACKS in the 2018 CFL Draft.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have (also) locked up national defensive lineman Cleyon Laing for two more years.  

Laing will suit up for his 10th CFL season in 2023 and fourth overall with Ottawa. Laing previously played for the REDBLACKS in 2016, winning a Grey Cup, before returning to Ottawa in 2021. The Edmonton native had three of his 39 career sacks last season while playing in all 18 games. 

Laing broke into the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts in 2013 and spent three seasons there before his first stint with the REDBLACKS. He would go on to spend three more years with Toronto, winning the Grey Cup again in 2017, before once again deciding to call Ottawa home. 

July 12th, 1996: "Riders Rally For First Win Under Payne"

"REDBLACKS unveil 2023 coaching staff"

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have announced their coaching staff in preparation for the 2023 CFL season. 

Head Coach Bob Dyce will be joined by Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach Khari Jones, Defensive Coordinator Barron Miles, Receivers Coach and Pass Game Coordinator Travis Moore, Offensive Line Coach Paul Charbonneau, Running Backs Coach Nate Taylor, Special Teams Coach Cory McDiarmid, Defensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator Mike Phair, Linebackers Coach Patrick Bourgon, and Defensive Backs Coach Alex Suber. 

"I'm thrilled to announce this new group of coaches for the Ottawa REDBLACKS.  I've worked side by side with all of these individuals in the past and, not only are they great coaches, communicators and teachers, they are also men of character," said Dyce. "This is a group that is committed to working together with players both in the meeting rooms and on the field to ensure success. They have won everywhere they have been and we're fortunate to have them all in Ottawa."

Bob Dyce enters his first full year as Head Coach of the REDBLACKS after being named to the position late last season. The Winnipeg native joined Ottawa in 2016 and would help lead the club to a Grey Cup championship that year. Dyce came into the CFL in 2003 as Receivers Coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and his CFL resumé includes seven years in Winnipeg (2003-09) as the receivers coach, six years with the Roughriders (2010-15) as the passing game coordinator/receivers coach, offensive coordinator, special teams coordinator as well as a stretch in 2015 as the team’s interim head coach.

Khari Jones will kick off his first year with Ottawa in 2023 after splitting last year between Montreal and Hamilton. Jones spent three years as Head Coach of the Alouettes, which followed a three-year stint as Offensive Coordinator with the BC Lions. Jones began his CFL coaching career with with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, as Quarterbacks Coach and Offensive Coordinator from 2009-2011.

Barron Miles also enters his first year with the REDBLACKS this season. Before serving as Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach for the Bishop's Gaiters (U Sports) for the 2022 season, the Roselle, New Jersey native spent two years with the Montreal Alouettes - working alongside new REDBLACKS Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach Khari Jones - and was the team's defensive coordinator from 2021-2022. His CFL coaching career has also taken him to Edmonton, Winnipeg, Saskatchewan and BC. 

Travis Moore returns to Ottawa in 2023 after initially coaching the club's receivers from 2014-2017, appearing in two Grey Cups and winning one in 2016. The 10-year former CFLer has coached with the Saskatchewan Roughriders since 2018. As a player, Moore played 10 seasons for the Calgary Stampeders and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, winning two Grey Cup championships with the Stampeders in 1998 and 2001.

Paul Charbonneau returns for his second season coaching Ottawa's offensive line. Before coming to Ottawa, he was the Co-Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach at Roosevelt University (NAIA), after stints with Washington University in St. Louis (NCAA), and Lindenwood University-Belleville (NAIA). Charbonneau was with the Montreal Alouettes from 2016-2017, as the team’s Running Backs and Offensive Line Coach.

Nate Taylor joins the REDBLACKS for his first season as a CFL coach. The Montreal native and former defensive back for the Concordia Stingers, was most recently the Offensive Coordinator and Receivers Coach for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. Taylor joined the school as full-time Special Teams Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator in 2016. In 2019, Taylor became the team's receivers coach, while still serving as recruiting coordinator.

Cory McDiarmid is back for 2023 after joining the REDBLACKS late in the 2022 campaign as a Special Teams Assistant.  McDiarmid has coached in various capacities throughout the CFL during his career, winning Grey Cups with BC and Saskatchewan. McDiarmid most recently coached for the Panthers Wrocław in the European League of Football before making his way back to the CFL with Ottawa.

Mike Phair returns in 2023 for his second year as REDBLACKS defensive line coach, this year adding Run Game Coordinator to his title. Phair previously served on the coaching staff of five different NFL teams since 2009, most recently as defensive line coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Before that, Phair spent 2018-2019 with the Indianapolis Colts, also as d-line coach. He has also coached with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks, as well as the University of Illinois, Tiffin University, and Arizona State.

Patrick Bourgon is returning as REDBLACKS Linebackers Coach after coaching the defensive backs last season. He joined the team for their inaugural season in 2014, as a Football Operations Intern, before becoming a Football Operations Assistant in 2015, and briefly leaving the team to take on the Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach roles for the Diables Rouges de Villepinte in France. Bourgon rejoined the REDBLACKS as an Offensive Assistant for their Grey Cup-winning season in 2016, and transitioned to Defensive Assistant in 2018, and Assistant Defensive Backs/Special Teams Coach in 2018, before earning his current role in 2020.

Alex Suber enters his third season with the REDBLACKS but first as Defensive Backs Coach after previously coaching the club's receivers. Before joining the REDBLACKS, Suber coached receivers at Murray State University. Prior to that, he served as Lyon College’s defensive coordinator. Suber wrapped-up his CFL playing career with 65 games played and 254 defensive tackles.

That's a lot of retention for a team that has performed so poorly in recent years, though with some shifting of responsibility thrown in as well. I admit to some trepidation on that retention basis (players included) but I suspect that we can expect to be quite active in free agency again in 2023. I certainly hope so. 

The 1961 Senior High School Semis

Redblacks Signings for the Week of Dec. 12th to 16th

Another busy week for the REDBLACKS FO. The team announced signings every day this past week with the exception of Wednesday when the 2023 schedule was released. Let's get going:

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS re-signed a pair of Canadians, today, with defensive back Justin Howell, and defensive lineman Nigel Romick rejoining the team for the 2023 CFL season.

"Choosing to re-sign in Ottawa for 2023 was a no-brainer for me. I am fortunate to have spent five years here since being drafted in 2018," said Howell. "We’ve got a great group of core guys, led by a tremendous coaching staff. My sole focus is on helping this team bring a Grey Cup back to the capital. I can’t wait to get back to TD Place, and play in front of the best fans in the CFL."

Howell, 29, has spent all four seasons of his career with the REDBLACKS, after a standout university tenure with the Carleton Ravens. The Bradford, Ontario native was limited by injury to just five games in 2022, but still came through with 16 total tackles, and a pair of forced fumbles.

"I’m ecstatic to be staying put in Ottawa for my ninth season," Romick added. "As I look to the 2023 season, I expect lots of fireworks, and plenty of wood cookies being cut. I’ve been fortunate to play for Coach Dyce since 2016, so I know the type of energy and leadership he brings to the locker room."

Romick, 31, is a veteran of eight seasons, and reached the 100-game milestone in 2022, all of which he has spent with the REDBLACKS. Though he appeared in just nine games due to injury, this season, the Thunder Bay, Ontario product chipped in nine total tackles, and is just one shy of 100 special teams tackles on his career.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed national running back Jackson Bennett to a two-year contract.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity," said Bennett. "Ottawa has been home for a very long time, and holds a special place in my heart. To suit up again for the city that raised me is nothing but a blessing.”

Bennett, 26, arrived to the REDBLACKS in 2022, after spending the first three seasons of his CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In 14 games, the Cumberland, Ontario native rushed for a career-high 234 yards on 50 attempts, and hauled in 15 catches for 86 yards. Bennett also contributed in the return game, racking up 160 yards on eight kick returns. 

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed American offensive lineman Dino Boyd to a two-year contract, the team announced today.

Boyd, 26, joined the REDBLACKS in 2021, and appeared in 15 games during the 2022 season. Playing multiple positions on the Ottawa offensive line, the 6'4 300 lbs Newark, New Jersey native was a critical component of the REDBLACKS' front five. Boyd began his CFL career with Ottawa in 2021, suiting up for three games. 

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed national receiver Nate Behar to a two-year contract.

“I’m committed to this organization, this city and RNation. I’m committed to the vision of Coach Dyce and Burkey,” Behar said. “Getting this contract figured out for two more years of playing in the Capital is the best Holiday present I’ve ever had! Let’s build this thing!

Behar, 28, has spent the last three seasons with the REDBLACKS, and enjoyed the most productive year of his career in 2022. Through 13 games, the London, Ontario native hauled in 59 receptions for 727 yards, and a pair of touchdowns, to go with 254 yards after the catch.

A product of Carleton University, Behar was drafted fifth overall by the Edmonton Elks in 2017, before returning to Ottawa in 2019. 

Another player was signed during the week but as-yet-unannounced in defensive tackle Bryce Rodgers.  Being a league entry contract, I believe those are normally for two years as well.

Here's some information about him from a press release issued by his school, UC Davis, shortly after he signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons following the NFL draft. 

A mainstay on UC Davis' defensive line, Rodgers was a model of consistency in leading the Aggies' push into the backfield each week in 2021. He led UC Davis in quarterback hurries with eight and added eight tackles for losses, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick. For his effort in the 2021 campaign the East Palo Alto, Calif., native was tabbed to the All-Big Sky second team.

Rodgers led all Aggie defensive linemen with 18 tackles (8 solos, 10 assists) while adding 2.0 TFLs (both sacks), two QB hurries, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick in the 2021 spring season. In 2019, the 6-3 lineman was named All-Big Sky honorable mention after starting all 12 games at defensive tackle. He ranked fifth on the team and tops among defensive linemen with 49 tackles (35 solos, 14 assists). Rodgers also had 6.0 TFLs, including 4.0 sacks for 20 yards and added a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and team-leading seven hurries.

Oct 28th, 1989: "Gee-Gees Battle Past Stingers"

Nov. 20th, 1960: Ottawa Rough Riders 21 @ Toronto Argonauts 20

Companion to a post from earlier today, here is the summary to the second game of a two-game series against Toronto for the right to represent the East at the Grey Cup in 1960.

Nov. 12th, 1960: Toronto Argonauts 21 @ Ottawa Rough Riders 33

This was the first of a two-game playoff series for the Eastern championship that year.  

REDBLACKS Signings For The Week of Dec. 5th to 9th

Catching up to the week's events. The REDBLACKS have a massive free agent list but they trimmed it down a bit during the week. All graphics lifted from the team's Twitter account and far superior to anything I could create. 

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed four-time CFL All-Star American punter Richie Leone.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue playing for the REDBLACKS,” said Leone.  “This will be my fifth season in the nation’s capital, and RNation should expect big things from us; there will be a lot to cheer for on the banks of the Rideau Canal come 2023.”

Leone, 30, is a veteran of six CFL seasons, and has spent the last four with the REDBLACKS. The Roswell, Georgia native racked up 4,315 net yards, last season, averaging 40.7 yards per punt: the second-highest marker of his CFL career.

A critical component of Ottawa's perennial standouts on special teams, Leone has earned Divisional All-Star honours five times (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021) and league All-Star recognition four times (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021). Before arriving in Ottawa, he made his CFL debut with the BC Lions in 2015, where he played for two seasons.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed national defensive back Ty Cranston, the team announced today.

“I’m very excited to be re-signing with Ottawa, and continuing my career with the REDBLACKS. Ottawa has become my home over the past 10 years and I’m excited to work to rebuild the strong REDBLACKS legacy that I’ve witnessed throughout my time in Ottawa,” Cranston said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Coach Dyce, and reuniting with Khari Jones and Barron Miles. All three are coaches I greatly respect, and have lots to offer this team and the city moving forward.”

Cranston, 28, arrived to Ottawa during the 2022 offseason, after having spent three seasons with the Montreal Alouettes. In his first campaign with the REDBLACKS, the Winnipeg, Manitoba native suited up in 17 games, finishing tied for fifth in the CFL with 17 special teams tackles, and adding three more on defence.

A product of the University of Ottawa, Cranston was selected in the seventh round, 56th overall, by the Als in the 2017 CFL Draft.

Those 17 special teams tackles were a team best.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have reached an agreement with Lewis Ward, keeping the record-setting kicker in the nation's capital through the 2024 CFL season.

"I'm extremely excited to be back in Ottawa for another two years, to help us get back to the level that we expect," said Ward. "We have great people in this building, we have a lot of talent here, and we have the leadership of Coach Dyce. I’ve been blessed to have him as my special teams coach, and I’m excited to be here for the next couple of years."

Ward, 30, signed with the REDBLACKS on January 3, 2018, after going undrafted the year prior. Following a first season that saw him named the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie, Ward went on to set the professional football record for consecutive field goals made (69), and also holds the CFL single-season record with a 98.1 made field goal percentage in 2018.

Born in England, and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Ward matched the second-best field goal percentage of his career in 2022, converting 49 kicks on 57 attempts. 

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed national fullback Marco Dubois through the 2023 CFL season, the team announced today.

"Coming back to Ottawa was an easy choice for me; the city, the fans and the whole organization has been great to me since I got drafted in 2018," said Dubois. "It is an honour to play for the REDBLACKS and to continue playing for Bob Dyce. We will give everything we've got to bring back the winning culture that RNation deserves. Can't wait to be back home on Bank Street!"

Dubois, 27, was drafted in the second round, 13th overall by the REDBLACKS in 2018. The Lasalle, Quebec native saw one of the best seasons of his CFL career during 2022, making four catches for 70 yards, including a career-long 54 yard reception in the season opener at Winnipeg.

On special teams, Dubois also chipped nine tackles through 18 games.

Dubois is actually 28 years old, for what that's worth. Or if he's 27, his date of birth is wrong on the website.

The team also locked in 2022 draft pick Daniel Valente from Western Ontario but I don't believe they included him in an announcement. Valente earned the Ontario Conference's President's Award this past season as the outstanding stand up defensive player. He had 16 tackles, five interceptions and a sack for Western in 2022.

Two other draft picks from earlier this year were signed up for 2023 as well in linebacker Subomi Oyesoro (Calgary) and fullback Connor Ross (St. Francis Xavier). This took place on November 21st. I assumed it would be announced at some point but that has yet to happen.

Two other 2022 camp attendees are going to give it another shot in 2023. They are Guelph's Eric Starczala on the offensive line and Shaiheem Charles-Brown on the defensive line. I suspect that entire bunch will get a generic "group" announcement at some point down the road. Maybe.

Dec 5th, 2022: "REDBLACKS name Barron Miles Defensive Coordinator"

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS continued to add to their coaching staff on Monday, naming Barron Miles the team's defensive coordinator for the 2023 Canadian Football League season.

"I'm very happy to have Barron join our coaching staff for next season," said Head Coach Bob Dyce. "Having worked with and against Barron in the past, I’ve seen how he builds great relationships and communicates his vision for success with his players. I believe we will all benefit from his high energy and direct coaching style."

Miles, 50, is no stranger to the CFL coaching ranks. Before serving as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Bishop's Gaiters (U Sports) for the 2022 season, the Roselle, New Jersey native spent two years with the Montreal Alouettes - working alongside new REDBLACKS Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach Khari Jones - and was the team's defensive coordinator from 2021-2022.

Prior to joining the Als, Miles was defensive backs and player development coach of the Edmonton Elks (2016-2019), defensive backs coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2015), defensive backs coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2012-2014), and defensive assitant with the BC Lions (2010-2011).

"I’ve been fortunate to have been in the CFL for over 20 years and meet people like Bob Dyce and Kahri Jones, two of the most intellectual, inspiring and energetic coaches I’ve had the opportunity to work with," said Miles. "They are both quality family men and the kind of men I want to surround myself with, so I'm very excited to be coming to Ottawa to be part of the REDBLACKS."

As a player, Miles was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1995, before enjoying an 11-year CFL career with the Alouettes (1998-2004), and Lions (2005-2009). A six-time CFL All-Star, Miles was the East Division's Most Outstanding Rookie in 1998, the league's Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2002, and winner of the Tom Pate Memorial Award in 2004. He is tied for second all-time in interceptions (66), holds the CFL record for blocked kicks (13), and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

The 1966 Golden Eagles / Sooners Playoff Series

The Ottawa Sooners owned the Interprovincial Junior Football League in the early 1960s but in 1966 the Eastview Golden Eagles were the dominant force on the Ontario side.

An article summarizing their final game of the 1965 season indicated that the Eagles would lose only four players to eligibility rules going into the next season and clearly that experience was a huge factor in their 1966 success. The won their first five games of that season by shut out before losing the sixth to the Sooners by a score of 12-00. They turned that result around for the seventh and final game, defeating those same Sooners 18-16. 

The two teams would then meet for a two game playoff series, both won by Eastview. 

October 16th

October 23rd

I was specific to being dominant in Ontario because following their series victory of the Sooners, the Golden Eagles lost 15-00 to Quebec powerhouse Notre Dame de Grace in Montreal the next weekend.

Among the players on the Eastview team was Paul Paddon who would go on to win the Hec Creighton award at the university of Ottawa in 1970. He only participated in a portion of the season because he went to play in the States for a spell.

Barry Ardern's name should be familiar as a defensive back with the Ottawa Rough Riders from 1968 to 1972. He played on both offense and defense for Eastview.

Jim Foley, another eventual Rough Rider, was also a contributor to that Eastview team. He was with the Riders from 1973 to 1976, earning two Grey Cup victories and the league's 1975 Most Outstanding Canadian award. 

Nov 11th, 1972: Montreal Alouettes 11 @ Ottawa Rough Riders 14

Not all playoff games are created equal. The summary below makes the contest seem so dismal that I considered avoiding it altogether and finding something else to post.  It's not exactly the stuff of great glory but hey, it still counted! 

REDBLACKS hire Khari Jones as Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have hired former Grey Cup champion Khari Jones as Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach for the 2023 Canadian Football League season.

"I’m extremely pleased to have Khari join the REDBLACKS family; KJ is a great communicator and teacher who brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and energy to Ottawa," said REDBLACKS Head Coach Dyce. "I’ve known KJ for nearly 20 years and we won a Grey Cup together in 2013. It was important to get a man of integrity like Khari to lead our offence going forward and I’m excited to work with him once again. 

Hailing from Hammond, Indiana, Jones spent the bulk of the 2022 CFL season as a Football Operations Consultant with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, following three years as Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator of the Montreal Alouettes. The 51-year-old guided the Als to the playoffs in both 2019, and 2021.

"I’m very happy and excited to be a part of Bob Dyce’s staff in Ottawa; I have known Bob for over 20 years and I am honoured to work with him again," said Jones. "I can’t wait to help deliver a dynamic offense for RNation and help push us towards the collective goal of bringing a Grey Cup back to Ottawa."

Prior to his time in Montreal, Jones spent three seasons as Offensive Coordinator of the BC Lions, helping them to a West Final appearance in 2016. He was also Quarterbacks Coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2012-2013, where he enjoyed a victory in the 101st Grey Cup. Jones initially broke into the coaching ranks with the Ti-Cats, as Quarterbacks Coach and Offensive Coordinator from 2009-2011.

Jones' career as a player in the CFL was a decorated one, as the quarterback earned Most Outstanding Player, and CFL All-Star honours in 2001, with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, en route to a Grey Cup appearance. He was also named a CFL West All-Star in 2002.

Dec. 2nd, 2022: Bob Dyce named third head coach in Ottawa REDBLACKS history

OTTAWA - With two Grey Cup appearances and a championship under his belt in the nation's capital, Bob Dyce was officially named the third Head Coach in Ottawa REDBLACKS franchise history on Friday.

“We’re excited to bring Coach Dyce back as the third head coach in Ottawa REDBLACKS history,” said General Manager Shawn Burke. “Bob is not only an excellent coach but also a great man who personifies leadership. Bob will continue to inspire players to reach new heights as he leads us into a new era of REDBLACKS football in Ottawa.”

Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, the 56-year-old Dyce has served as the REDBLACKS’ special teams coordinator since 2016, before being named interim head coach in the midst of the 2022 season. In six seasons at the helm of one of the league's top special teams units, Dyce was a key piece of a REDBLACKS coaching staff that won the Grey Cup in 2016, before once again making it to the big game in 2018. 

Before his arrival in Ottawa, he spent five years on the Saskatchewan Roughriders staff; as passing game coordinator and receivers coach (2010-2011), offensive coordinator (2012), special teams coordinator (2013-2015), and interim head coach (2015), winning the 101st Grey Cup in 2013. Prior to his time in Regina, Dyce was the receivers coach for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 2003-2009.

"I'm tremendously excited for the opportunity presented to me by Shawn Burke, Mark Goudie, Adrian Sciarra, Roger Greenberg, John Ruddy, John Pugh and Bill Shenkman to serve as the head coach of the Ottawa REDBLACKS," said Dyce. "It's amazing that, seven years after first coming to Ottawa, I get to lead this talented group of players in front of such a passionate fan base. I look forward to working together with Shawn and the players to build a strong team that we all will be proud of both on the field and in the community."

Nov 18th, 1973: Montreal Alouettes 14 @ Ottawa Rough Riders 23

What follows is Ottawa Citizen coverage of the 1973 Eastern final game which put the Riders in that year's Grey Cup. Take it away, Bob!