Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
After an eventful off-season, the Ottawa Redblacks are ready to put their fresh-faced team to the test Saturday night against the Edmonton Elks.
Ottawa’s CFL team will kick off the 2026 season at 7 p.m. at TD Place with a new head coach, a different starting quarterback and a winning mindset.
Ottawa’s overhaul began with firing head coach Bob Dyce in October when the regular season ended without a ticket to the playoffs.
Shortly after, Ryan Dinwiddie was hired from Toronto to be Ottawa’s head coach, general manager and offensive co-ordinator in hopes of establishing a new team culture.
The former Argonauts head coach is joining Ottawa after four straight playoff appearances and two Grey Cup victories in the last five years.
The Redblacks played just one post-season game in the same time frame.
WATCH | Redblacks kick off new season with a new head coach:
Ottawa Redblacks’ new head coach to bring new playing style this season
The Ottawa Redblacks are gearing up for a new season and hoping to reverse a 10-year Grey Cup drought by hiring former Toronto Argonauts head coach and CFL champion Ryan Dinwiddie. CBC’s Hallie Cotnam spoke with the team’s new general manager ahead of Saturday’s season opener.’We’re going to expect to win every week’
Dinwiddie is hoping to start the season with a win that will build momentum for the coming games.
“I thought we had a good work week, but now we have to go prove it on Saturday,” he said. “We’re going to expect to win every week.”
The Redblacks will rely on offensive captain and quarterback Jake Maier, who had been in Ottawa for less than a month when he was named as the team’s starter.
The 29-year-old was picked up in free agency from the Saskatchewan Roughriders and will replace Dru Brown, who has been the starting quarterback for two seasons.
“I’m proud of the impression I’ve made on some of my teammates early on,” Maier said.
Other roster changes
During the off-season the Redblacks said goodbye to several familiar faces including seasoned kicker Lewis Ward and fullback Marco Dubois.
The team overhauled much of their roster, re-signing only 12 of their own free agents.
Fullback Anthony Gosselin is one of the few remaining pieces from Ottawa’s last Grey Cup appearance in 2018.
As the newest leader of the special teams unit, Gosselin said Dinwiddie’s high standards and precision as head coach is a perfect fit for the team’s young core.
“He’s an intense guy, but I love working with him,” Gosselin said.