January 18th: REDBLACKS re-sign Defensive MOP Lorenzo Mauldin IV

This one came as a mild surprise. Mauldin had said that he planned to evaluate all options going into free agency. Presumably that included waiting until the "legal tampering" period before free agency hit to see what other CFL clubs might offer.

Evidently the REDBLACKS offer was too good to pass up, even if it's for just one year. Most of the club's re-signings have been for two seasons.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed the CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player, inking defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin IV to a one-year deal, the team announced today.

“What’s good Ottawa! It was such a pleasure playing for the REDBLACKS in 2022 and I happen to love you all so much that I wanted to do it again in 2023!," said Mauldin. "My family and I are excited to keeping calling Ottawa home next season. Thanks for the love, RNation!"

Mauldin, 30, took the league by storm in his first season with the REDBLACKS, after arriving from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats via free agency. The Sacramento, California native set a REDBLACKS single season record, with a CFL-leading 17 sacks in 2022, also recording 43 tackles, and a pair of forced fumbles, appearing in all 18 games. 

 “Lorenzo Mauldin is a player who gives everything he can every time he hits the field and is someone you don’t want to be playing against,” said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. “He was last year’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player for a reason and we’re excited to see him take the next step in his career as a REDBLACK.”

Named to the 2022 CFL All-Star team, Mauldin became just the second player in Ottawa franchise history to earn Most Outstanding Defensive Player honours, and first since Greg Marshall in 1983.

After a stint in the NFL, Mauldin joined the Ti-Cats in 2019. He appeared in 17 games across the 2019, and 2021 seasons, recording 25 total tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble.

January 13th, 2023: Brendan Gillanders Announces Retirement

OTTAWA - Ottawa REDBLACKS running back Brendan Gillanders has announced his retirement from professional football, after eight Canadian Football League seasons.

"When I started playing football here in Ottawa at the age of 10, I never dreamt I would one day play in two Grey Cups, and help bring one home to family, friends and our amazing fanbase. My family and I are sincerely thankful to the REDBLACKS organization, and all of the wonderful people working at OSEG, and the OSEG Foundation," said Gillanders. "As hard as it is to walk away from playing professional football, it is much harder to leave the amazing people in our locker room and facility. Finally, as the newest member of RNation, I could not be any more excited to watch Coach Dyce lead the REDBLACKS into the 2023 season, as they work towards another Grey Cup."

Born in Orleans, Gillanders played his collegiate football at the University of Ottawa, before signing with the Toronto Argonauts on December 18, 2013. He spent two seasons in Toronto, before inking a contract with his hometown REDBLACKS on February 9, 2016. Gillanders helped Ottawa to their first Grey Cup victory in 2016, and another appearance in 2018, as a fixture on Bob Dyce's special teams units.

"I honestly believe if something had ever happened to me, Brendan Gillanders could have played and coached our special teams unit at the same time," said Head Coach Bob Dyce. "I’m not sure I’ve had a player prepare with the professionalism and detail that Brendan did in my seven years in Ottawa. Gilly set the standard high for himself and his teammates and we will miss him immensely. We wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this next step."

All told, Gillanders wraps up his CFL career having appeared in 114 regular season games, rushing for 302 yards on 66 carries, and racking up 344 yards on 39 receptions. On special teams, he recorded 63 tackles, and a forced fumble. 

Off the field, Gillanders has been a mainstay in the Ottawa community, regularly teaming up with the OSEG Foundation and participating in events throughout the city. His work in the community and his passion for the game led to Gillanders being named the REDBLACKS nominee for the Jake Gaudaur Veteran's Award in 2022.

Nov. 1st, 1969: Ottawa Sooners 33, Windsor AKO Fratmen 00

The game summary below appeared in the November 3rd, 1969, Ottawa Citizen. Its wonky layout made it awkward to fit on the Sooners' own page.   

Turns out they had plenty of trouble with the west, they lost 28-07 to Saskatoon two weeks later in the national championship game.

January 3rd, 2023: "DeVonte Dedmon returns to REDBLACKS for two more years"

Thought this might be the first of a number of signings but things dried up after this one. No big deal, if you're going to announce one re-signing all week, this is a good one.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS are bringing back receiver and return specialist DeVonte Dedmon for two more years, the club announced Tuesday. 

"There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. This is home," said Dedmon. "I’m excited to be back with my teammates and to have the opportunity to learn from this great coaching staff. I believe in this group. This is my family."

Dedmon, 26, broke out with Ottawa during the 2021 season, following a standout rookie campaign in 2019. He totaled 2,841 return yards, and with three touchdowns, became the fastest player in CFL history to record five return touchdowns in his career. For his efforts, Dedmon was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, along with earning CFL All-Star honours. He rejoined the REDBLACKS during the 2022 season after pursuing an NFL opportunity with the Miami Dolphins. 

In 22 career CFL games, Dedmon has returned 83 punts for 1,250 yards and three touchdowns, along with 73 kick returns for 1,947 yards and two touchdowns. Offensively, Dedmon has caught 23 of 26 passes for 219 yards, 148 of those coming after the catch. 

I wonder now if the slower pace means the team is comfortable lettings most of the remaining 20-something free agents walk, or at least test free agency next month. There are still a couple of free-agents-to-be I'd like to see return (Lorenzo Mauldin IV is an obvious one) but a team that goes winless at home and has 10 wins over three seasons needs some change.

January 1st, 1937: "Fr. Wm. J. Stanton Dies In Crash Near Chatham"

Father William Stanton, long-time coach of several sports at the University of Ottawa in the early 1900s, died in a car accident on new year's day of 1937.

The snippets below are from the evening edition of the January 2nd, 1937, Ottawa Citizen. The Citizen combined reports from the Associated Press, Canadian Press and other sources, which caused the article to be a little disjointed and repetitive. I've chopped out the parts that are more relevant to his football contributions. 

Not mentioned above is that Father Stanton coached the Ottawa Combines team of 1913, a fusion of Ottawa city team (the Rough Riders) and the university of Ottawa club.

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.