The Ottawa Redblacks have filled their head coaching vacancy, naming Ryan Dinwiddie their new HC as well as general manager on Wednesday.
Dinwiddie comes over from the Toronto Argonauts organization where he led the team to two Grey Cup victories and a combined 51-35 record over the last 5 seasons. The 44 year old was named the CFL’s 2023 Coach of the Year, and sits 4th all-time in wins in Argos franchise history.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Ottawa REDBLACKS as Head Coach and General Manager,” said Dinwiddie. “This is a proud organization with passionate fans and a strong foundation to build on. I’m looking forward to working with Shawn to build our football club and to create a winning culture here in the nation’s capital with the goal of bringing sustained success and a Grey Cup back to Ottawa.”
Current General Manager Shawn Burke has been promoted to Vice President of Football Operations, signing a contract extension that will keep him with the club through 2028.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan Dinwiddie to our organization as Head Coach and General Manager,” said Redblacks President Adrian Sciarra, in a release. “Ryan is a proven winner, with a track record of developing players and leading successful teams. His vision, leadership and competitiveness make him the right person to partner with Shawn Burke in leading our football club.”
Dinwiddie is a lifelong CFL coach, having began as an offensive quality control coach with the Alouettes from 2013-15. From there he would head out west to Calgary where he was the Stampeders QB coach from 2016-2019, before taking the head coaching job with Toronto.
As a player, the former QB went undrafted, but would sign with the Chicago Bears’ practice squad, before having a stint overseas with the Hamburg Sea Devils. Upon his return to North America, he would have stints with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Saskatchewan Roughriders, both coming in a back up capacity.
“Ryan brings a tremendous football mind and a competitive drive that fits perfectly with what we want in Ottawa,” said Burke. “He’s shown he can get the most out of his players and staff and we’re confident his experience will have an immediate impact on our organization.”
Ottawa will look to rebound following a disappointing 2025 CFL campaign where the team went 4-14 and finished in last place in the league.
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