CALGARY – Dave Dickenson has been a longtime Stampeder dating back to the 90s.
Now, he’s taken over the top job on the sidelines, as head coach.
Tuesday, he spoke for the first time in his new position and talked about what he plans to bring to the table for the football team.
Dickenson’s first words at the press conference showed that moving from offensive coordinator to head coach is a pretty comfortable transition.
“Thanks for the applause, coaches in the back,” said Dickenson, as the room erupted with laughter.
In 2014, Dickenson oversaw an offence that led the CFL in points scored, touchdowns, rushing touchdowns, first downs, rushing offence, average gain per pass, fewest interceptions and fewest sacks allowed.
Dickenson joined the coaching staff after an outstanding 13-year professional playing career. He spent 11 of his 13 seasons in the Canadian Football League, six of those with the Stampeders (1996-2000 and 2008).
He’s been patiently waiting for his time to come in the new role.
“Huf won’t get out,” Dickenson joked when asked about moving into John Hufnagel’s office.
He might not have Hufnagel’s office yet but he’s got the responsibilities and big shoes to fill.
“Anytime you’re basically coming in on a winning program, the expectations are higher. That’s fine with me, I’m more than happy to take that on,” said Dickenson. “Usually I’m working on my squash game or something like that, but right now it seems like there’s been a lot of turmoil and influx.”
It’s been busy; only a week into the Stamps’ offseason, but Dickenson’s ready and will be working closely with his general manager Hufnagel. They’ll maintain business as usual.
“The continuity is important. Dave is an excellent football coach. So I would think that the players will enjoy the situation,” said Hufnagel.
With that continuity and Dickenson’s track record as a four-time Grey Cup champion (three as a player), 13 seasons in the CFL and a recent induction into the 2015 CFL Hall of Fame, the Stamps are in good hands next season.
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Stampeders fans shouldn’t expect any kind of so called ‘rebuild’ because Dickenson’s mentality is – if it ain’t broke – don’t fix it.
“We’re successful for a reason, no reason to change just to change,” said Dickenson.
However, change is inevitable with a new leader, especially when there’s already a few question marks about some veteran players returning, like Jon Cornish and free agent Keon Raymond.
“The past 3-4 years have been the same core guys. it’s going to be interesting to see what’s going to happen. I know, whatever happens, Huf and Dave and all the guys will do what’s best for the team and I’m pretty sure we’ll be competitive next year too,” said Rene Paredes, kicker for the Stampeders.
“He’s going to want to throw his own kind of mix into it and he understands that he isn’t Huf and he doesn’t want to be Huf, you know. Yeah, he’d love to have the records and the Grey Cups that Huf has as a head coach but he’s going to be Dave Dickenson. He’s going to be the guy that he knows and he’s going to run the team how he wants to run it,” said stamps quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell.
Dickenson also plans to come across more as a players’ coach.
“I want to be a guy the players know as honest,” said Dickenson.
The new head coach left his players with a clear message as they head into the offseason and think about next year.
“They did a great job but it’s time now to get a little rest, get back to what’s important to you – your family and then look in the mirror and decide what you needed to do to make us better. And go do it in the offseason, before you come back,” said Dickenson.
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Dickenson already has his work cut out for him, looking for a new defensive coordinator after Rich Stubler unexpectedly quit. Reports suggest Stubler might be joining the Toronto Argonauts. No word yet on why he chose to leave the Stampeders.
Dickenson’s coaching role extends into the offseason as he annually operates the Dickenson Passing Academy to tutor young quarterbacks and receivers.
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