Kevin Sousa/CFL.ca
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have found their new bench boss.
Vice president of football operations and general manager Jeremy O’Day announced on Thursday that Corey Mace has been named the 48th head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
“From the get-go, Corey blew me away with his strong vision to lead the Saskatchewan Roughriders, his exceptional communication skills and his laser-focus on winning,” said O’Day. “But beyond his proven record as a top coach in the CFL, he also demonstrated a deep understanding of Saskatchewan and its people and a commitment to give back to our community. I am thrilled to welcome him and his family to the Roughriders and to get to work on a successful 2024 season.”
“Saskatchewan is an incredibly special place, and I could not be more excited to be the next head coach of this storied franchise,” said Mace. “I am committed to bringing Rider Nation a team they can be proud of both on and off the field, and to give back to this province that gives our organization so much.”
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In Mace’s second season coaching the Argos defence, he helped Toronto to a 16-2 record. He steered a unit that led the CFL in sacks (68), interceptions (27), turnovers (54), opponent big plays (30), opponent rush yards (83.6), and was second in offensive points allowed (20.7) and opponents yards/play (6.09) while ranking third in offensive touchdowns allowed (42). Three of his players, Adarius Pickett, Wynton McManis, and Robertson Daniel, were named CFL All-Stars, and Qwan’tez Stiggers was named the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2023.
The Port Moody, BC native joined the Boatmen at the start of 2022, saw three of his players become Division All-Stars and was integral in helping the Argonauts capture their 18th Grey Cup championship. The three-time Grey Cup champion joined Toronto from Calgary where he coached the defensive line from 2016-2021, winning a championship in 2018.
Before turning to coaching Mace played defensive line for the Stampeders from 2010-2015 where he won his first Grey Cup in 2014. The University of Wyoming product was originally drafted in the second round of the 2007 CFL Draft by Winnipeg before signing with the Buffalo Bills where he played from 2007-2009.
In addition to his 2022 Grey Cup Championship, the 37-year-old won two Grey Cups as a member of the Stampeders, one in 2018 as a coach, and one in 2014 as a player. Exceptionally community minded, Mace was awarded the Stampeders’ Presidents’ Ring in 2015 for exemplary performance on and off the field.
