WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers made it official Monday, announcing three-year contracts for GM Kyle Walters and head coach Mike O’Shea after saying Friday the pair would be back in 2026.

The 2026 season will be O’Shea’s 12th at the helm in Winnipeg, and he already stands as the winningest head coach in franchise history with a 117-77 record.

Walters was named the 17th GM in franchise history on Nov. 26, 2013, and has worked with O’Shea since hiring him as head coach a week later.


Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea looks on during the first half of CFL football action in Regina, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea looks on during the first half of CFL football action in Regina, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

The 2026 season will be his 16th year with the organization, having previously served as an assistant coach and as assistant general manager.

Walters and O’Shea have led the Bombers to nine consecutive double-digit win seasons and five straight Grey Cup appearances from 2019-2024. They won titles in 2019 and 2021.

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

The Warm-Up

Winnipeg Jets Game Days

On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.

Sign up for The Warm-Up

Winnipeg finished 10-8 this season and fell to the Montreal Alouettes in the East Division semifinal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 17, 2025.