Roughriders hire Argonauts DC Mace as head coach

The Saskatchewan Roughriders found a replacement for Craig Dickenson.

Saskatchewan agreed to terms with Corey Mace to be its next head coach, the club announced Thursday. Mace served as the Toronto Argonauts' defensive coordinator for the last two seasons.

"Saskatchewan is an incredibly special place, and I could not be more excited to be the next head coach of this storied franchise," Mace said in a statement. "I am committed to bringing Rider Nation a team they can be proud of both on and off the field and to give back to this province that gives our organization so much."

The Riders reportedly narrowed their coaching search to Mace and Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive coordinator Buck Pierce.

"From the get-go, Corey blew me away with his strong vision to lead the Saskatchewan Roughriders, his exceptional communication skills, and his laser-focus on winning," general manager Jeremy O'Day said.

Mace began his coaching career as the Calgary Stampeders defensive line coach from 2016-21 and helped the team win the Grey Cup before joining Toronto in 2022. The Argos won the Grey Cup that year.

The 37-year-old was also one of three finalists for the Ottawa Redblacks' head coaching job in 2022.

The Roughriders have been looking for a new coach since deciding not to keep Dickenson - their sideline boss from 2019-23 - for the 2024 season. Saskatchewan missed the playoffs for the second straight season after going 6-12 in 2023.