CFL.ca
CFL.ca Staff
WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have brought a familiar face and fan favourite back into the fold, hiring former quarterback Buck Pierce as the team’s running backs coach.
Pierce retired from the Canadian Football League on Tuesday after nine seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and BC Lions, finishing with 15,289 yards, 76 touchdowns, 1,200 completions, and 130 games played.
“Deciding not to play football anymore was a difficult decision, but having the opportunity to re-join the Bombers in a coaching role was really a perfect fit,” said Pierce.
“I am thrilled they wanted me to be a part of what I believe will be a great thing here in Winnipeg. I said when I was traded that I hoped one day I would be back in some capacity, and today is a really special day for my family and me,” he added.
One of the most popular players to don a Bomber uniform over the past decade, Pierce was traded to the Lions in September of 2013 after spending close to four seasons in Winnipeg. The Kansas born Pierce became a true Winnipegger throughout that time, laying deep roots in the Manitoba capital, both personally and professionally.
He is involved in countless community initiatives including Special Olympics Manitoba, Manitoba Minor Football, Ronald McDonald House, Faces of Freedom, The Dream Factory and United Way after school programs.
“Buck has been through the trenches as a quarterback in this league. He has great experience, and will be a valued asset to our coaching staff,” said Head Coach Mike O’Shea.
“He will be able to relate to our players very well, and the ability to add a former CFL quarterback to our staff was important to us. He will be a great teacher to our running backs and a strength to our offensive staff.”
“We are very excited to welcome Buck back to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. His dedication to our community, our organization, and his passion to be a winner, makes this a great fit for not only our football operations, but our entire organization. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a better franchise with Buck Pierce a part of it, and I’m very pleased Kyle and Mike were able to bring him on board,” said President and CEO Wade Miller.
