CALGARY – Dave Dickenson officially introduced his first coaching staff as Stampeders head coach on Thursday.
The staff largely remains intact from last season with eight coaches returning, although there are a few changes.
After making the successful transition from player to coach four years ago, DeVone Claybrooks has been promoted to defensive coordinator. Claybrooks spent the past four seasons as defensive line coach.
“The one thing I learned real quick is, you know, being a great coach is pretty easy – just don’t ‘eff’ it up,” Claybrooks joked.
“I’m under the Hufnagel and Dickenson spell I guess; I’m buying into what they’re selling,” added Claybrooks.
“I think we’ve got a great organization here, a good young group of coaches and I think we’re headed in the right direction.”
The staff also includes newcomers Ryan Dinwiddie as quarterback coach and Corey Mace as defensive line coach.
Mace follows in the footsteps of Claybrooks, making the transition from player to coach after six seasons as a defensive lineman for the Stamps.
Thursday’s coaching announcement was also his retirement press conference.
“Yep, I’m retired and I’m coaching now,” said Mace with a laugh.
The defensive lineman didn’t play a single game in 2015 after fracturing his foot in preseason.
“I knew, whether it was here or somewhere else, I love this game; it’s given me a lot and I did want to head into a coaching career,” he said.
Dickenson pursued Dinwiddie to join the club after he spent last season as a co-offensive coordinator alongside Hall of Famer Anthony Calvillo in Montreal.
The remainder of the staff remains unchanged from last season.
Mark Kilam (special teams), Pete Costanza (receivers), Marc Mueller (running backs), Pat DelMonaco (offensive line), Brent Monson (linebackers) and Kahlil Carter (defensive backs) all return in 2016.
It will also be one of the youngest staffs in the CFL next season. When it comes to age, head coach Dickenson is one of the oldest, but not ‘the’ oldest. That title belongs to someone else.
“That’s Pete (Costanza).” Dickenson pointed out. “He looks younger than me; there’s a lot of stress in my life.”
“We’re a young staff but I think that’s going to be fun,” he added.
Now the long wait for all that fun to begin in June.
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