The Ottawa Redblacks are making a seismic move in the East.
The team announced that Ryan Dinwiddie has been named both head coach and general manager, signing a contract through the 2028 season.
Current general manager Shawn Burke is expected to remain with the team as its vice president of football operations through 2028.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Ottawa REDBLACKS as Head Coach and General Manager,” said Dinwiddie. “This is a proud organization with passionate fans and a strong foundation to build on. I’m looking forward to working with Shawn to build our football club and to create a winning culture here in the nation’s capital with the goal of bringing sustained success and a Grey Cup back to Ottawa.”
Ryan Dinwiddie has officially been named the 4th Head Coach and 3rd General Manager of the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
“I’m a pretty fiery guy. I’m an emotional coach. I’m a players first guy. They know it’s all love but I want to do whatever I can to get the best out of these guys.”… pic.twitter.com/vgN7hnyxGV
— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) November 5, 2025
“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan Dinwiddie to our organization as Head Coach and General Manager,” said Redblacks President Adrian Sciarra, in a release. “Ryan is a proven winner, with a track record of developing players and leading successful teams. His vision, leadership and competitiveness make him the right person to partner with Shawn Burke in leading our football club.”
Dinwiddie has spent the past five seasons as head coach of the Toronto Argonauts, leading the team to two Grey Cup Championships and a combined 51-35 record. Under Dinwiddie, the Double Blue reached four consecutive Eastern Finals and set an Argos’ franchise record with 16 wins in 2023, as Dinwiddie was named the CFL’s Coach of the Year.
“We want to thank Ryan for everything he brought to this organization over the last five seasons,” said Argonauts GM Michael Clemons. “A capable, competent, and committed coach, he delivered more than we could have asked. Two Grey Cup championships, a Coach of the Year Award, a 16-2 regular season, and the fourth most wins for a coach in Toronto Argonauts history.
“Ryan’s impact on the organization will be forever appreciated. The Toronto Argonauts owe a debt of gratitude to Ryan and wish him all the best going forward. The search for a new head coach is underway.”
Dinwiddie began his coaching career as the Montreal Alouettes’ offensive quality control coach from 2013-15. He then moved on to a stint as the Calgary Stampeders QB coach (2016-19), where he won his first Grey Cup in 2018.
Dinwiddie leaves the Argos after finishing the 2025 season with a 5-13 record. He will replace Bob Dyce as Ottawa’s head coach. Dyce was fired after a disappinting 4-14 record.
“Ryan brings a tremendous football mind and a competitive drive that fits perfectly with what we want in Ottawa,” said Burke. “He’s shown he can get the most out of his players and staff and we’re confident his experience will have an immediate impact on our organization.”
