In a move that has left fans stunned and analysts divided, the Ottawa Redblacks have parted ways with head coach Bob Dyce, just one season into his two-year contract extension. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this decision justified after a single disastrous season, or did the team act too hastily, forgetting Dyce’s recent successes? Let’s dive in.
The Redblacks’ 2025 campaign was nothing short of a nightmare, culminating in a 4-14 record that placed them dead last in the CFL. Their final game, a 35-15 loss to Hamilton, sealed their fate as the league’s bottom-dwellers, already eliminated from playoff contention. This stark contrast to last season’s 9-8-1 record—which included the best home record in franchise history (7-1-1 at TD Place)—raises questions about what went wrong so quickly.
Dyce, a 59-year-old CFL veteran, had been a key figure in Ottawa’s resurgence. After joining the team in 2016 as special teams coordinator, he helped secure a Grey Cup victory that same year. Promoted to interim head coach in 2022 following Paul LaPolice’s dismissal, Dyce took the reins full-time in 2023, guiding the Redblacks back to the postseason for the first time in six years. His overall record as head coach? 18-39-1—a mixed bag, but one that included significant highs.
And this is the part most people miss: Dyce’s CFL journey began in 2003 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he spent seven years as receivers coach. He later joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders, holding roles as pass game coordinator, receivers coach, offensive coordinator, and special teams coordinator. In 2015, he even stepped in as the Riders’ interim head coach, winning his first Grey Cup with the team in 2013. His resume is impressive, yet the Redblacks’ decision suggests his recent struggles outweighed his past achievements.
Meanwhile, Redblacks’ president Adrian Sciarra confirmed that general manager Shawn Burke will remain in his role, despite rumors of instability. Burke’s first task? Finding Dyce’s successor—his second head coaching hire and Ottawa’s fourth since rejoining the CFL in 2014. Here’s the burning question: Is this a step toward rebuilding, or a sign of deeper issues within the organization?
What do you think? Was firing Dyce the right call, or did the Redblacks let go of a coach who deserved more time? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
