A day after the Ottawa Redblacks lost their eleventh game of the season in Friday night’s 34-19 loss to the BC Lions. The Redblacks announced they have parted ways with head coach Paul LaPolice after two seasons in Ottawa with a 6-22 record. Special teams coach Bob Dyce will coach the team for the rest of the season.
“I have enjoyed working with Paul and thank him for his contributions to this team over the past two seasons; today isn’t an easy day,” said Redblacks General Manager Shawn Burke. “In this business, sometimes a change is required to help move a team forward, and that’s what we’ve done here. We’re fortunate to have a coach of Bob Dyce’s caliber and experience able to step up and take on this role.”
LaPolice was hired as the Redblacks second coach in franchise history on December 19th, 2019. It was LaPolice’s second head coach gig. His first head coaching job came in 2010 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. However, the CFL did not have a 2020 season due to the pandemic.
However, he lasted three seasons before being fired by Winnipeg in 2012. Shortly after the firing, LaPolice went into broadcasting. He was a broadcaster for three years before returning to Winnipeg as an offensive coordinator, helping the Blue Bombers win the 107th Grey Cup championship. It was the Blue Bombers first championship since 1990.
“Paul is an excellent man who has put everything he has into this job. But, unfortunately, we haven’t won nearly enough games,” said OSEG CEO Mark Goudie. “We are committed to getting back to what RNation deserves, which is exciting and winning football.”
Ottawa General Manager Shawn Burke and OSEG CEO Mark Goudie will speak to the media at a press conference scheduled for Monday, October 3rd, at 12:30 pm from TD Place. Following the press conference, Interim Head Coach Bob Dyce will be available for interviews.
The Ottawa Redblacks visit the Montreal Alouettes on Canada’s Thanksgiving Day next Monday at 1 pm on ESPN2.
