Calgary Stampeders defensive linemen Shawn Lemon (40) and Corey Mace (99) celebrate with teammates after defeating the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 102nd Grey Cup in Vancouver, B.C. Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014. Mace says he's confident he can help get the Saskatchewan Roughriders back to winning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
REGINA – Corey Mace says he’s confident he can help get the Saskatchewan Roughriders back to winning.
Mace said Friday at his introductory press conference as Saskatchewan’s head coach that he knows what the expectations are in a market that loves CFL football, and that he and the team will “get it done.”
The Roughriders are looking to flip the script after two disappointing seasons that played out in similar fashion.
Saskatchewan ended both 2022 and 2023 on seven-game losing streaks to finish 6-12 and miss the playoffs, and the team declined to renew former head coach Craig Dickenson’s contract after this past season.
The 37-year-old Mace, from Port Moody, B.C., is in his first job as a CFL head coach. He spent the last two seasons as the Toronto Argonauts’ defensive co-ordinator, helping the team win a Grey Cup in 2022.
He also won two Grey Cups with the Calgary Stampeders, once as a player (2014) and once as a defensive line coach (2018).
Saskatchewan general manager Jeremy O’Day said the Roughriders were looking for candidates with leadership qualities and a desire to get involved in the community, and Mace “stood out right from the start.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 1, 2023.
