BlueBombers.com Staff

WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Football Club announced Friday that Paul LaPolice, a former Blue Bombers offensive coordinator, has been hired as the 28th head coach in franchise history.

LaPolice has spent the past three seasons in Saskatchewan, joining the club in 2007 as the team’s Receivers Coach and winning the Grey Cup that year. In 2008, he accepted the role as Offensive Coordinator and helped lead the Riders to the 2009 Grey Cup finals. His offence ranked 2nd in scoring, and 2nd in touchdowns scored in 2009.

“I’m thrilled and honoured to accept this position,” said LaPolice. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me. This organization is rich in history and I look forward to leading the Winnipeg Blue Bombers through its 80th anniversary season and beyond.”

LaPolice spent two seasons with the Blue Bombers (2002, 2003) in the role of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He also coached receivers and running backs during his time with the Blue and Gold. During his tenure in Winnipeg, the Bombers set 14 offensive team records.

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Paul LaPolice as the new head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers,” said Joe Mack, Vice President and General Manager of Football Operations. “Paul possesses all of the key qualities we were looking for in a head coach. We feel we have put a first-class gentleman in place and look forward to Paul leading us to success for many years to come.”

LaPolice began his CFL coaching career in 2000 when he took on the role of running backs/receivers coach with the Toronto Argonauts.