In a way, Bob Dyce being named Head Coach of the Ottawa REDBLACKS is new, but in another, it brings a familiarity rivalled by just a handful of teams around the CFL.
Dyce becomes just the third head coach in REDBLACKS’ franchise history, and the first coaching appointment by General Manager, Shawn Burke. Although his tag is new, and he’ll move into a new office, his surroundings will be anything but, having been Special Teams Coordinator since 2016.
With his special teams units, Dyce has always run a tight ship, routinely putting together one of the best units in the CFL. In his first season in Ottawa, the Winnipeg, Manitoba native helped the REDBLACKS capture their first Grey Cup. After another trip to the big game in 2018, Dyce and the rest of the REDBLACKS felt the lows, with three consecutive seasons below expectations.
Through the good times, and the challenging times, one thing has remained consistent; Dyce loves Ottawa.
“What I realized is how passionate the fans in this city are, how passionate the players are, and how passionate OSEG is,” Dyce said. “When you coach in the CFL, you want to be in a city that cares about football, and Ottawa is exactly that.”
The love Dyce has for the city is one thing, but the love he has for his players is an entirely different kind of passion. Dyce can be described as a motivator, a leader of men, and the players made their voices heard during the selection process.
“To our players; don’t think I didn’t hear you guys,” Burke said. “We always appreciate the input. I know your love for the organization, and I know your love for Coach Dyce.”
The love for Dyce by the players wasn’t just heard by Burke, it was also reciprocated.
“There are a few members of each organization that are the heart,” Burke said. “Bob Dyce is the heart of this organization.”
Previously, Dyce has had two chances to be a Head Coach in the CFL; once with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2015, and once last season with the REDBLACKS, but in both instances, it came with the interim tag. Finally, after nearly 20 years since his first CFL job, he has the chance to lead a team, on a permanent basis.
The list of people to thank is endless for Dyce, who commented on those closest to him while fighting back emotion, but there was one person who he says has been imperative to his journey; his wife, Amanda.
“The type of person she is, being the backbone of our family, she was ready to hop on a flight, and be beside me today,” Dyce said. “I couldn’t have anyone that means more to me be here with me.”
The appointment marks just the beginning of the offseason for Dyce and the REDBLACKS. Khari Jones has been named Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach, while Barron Miles has been tapped to lead the defence. There are re-signings to get done with current players, and free agency, all before the 2023 Global Draft and CFL Draft.
For everyone on the REDBLACKS, particularly Dyce and Burke, there’s no time to relax or celebrate, but Dyce is confident that the foundation for a successful future is already in place.
“We have got work ahead of us,” Dyce reiterated. “But I know with this group, we’re not far away. This isn’t some reclamation project. We’re going to get to work, and we’re going to be successful.”