REGINA — Jeremy O'Day didn't have to look far to find a new head coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Riders have named special teams co-ordinator Craig Dickenson as the new head coach of the team.
O'Day, the club's new GM and vice-president of football operations, announced the promotion of Dickenson at a news conference on Friday. He replaces Chris Jones, who resigned as Saskatchewan's head coach/GM to join the NFL's Cleveland Browns earlier this month.
"Craig is extremely respected by our players and staff. His dedication, intelligence and leadership will be an integral part of our future success," O'Day said in a statement.
Dickenson, 47, is a veteran CFL coach, having spent time with Calgary (twice), Montreal, Saskatchewan (twice), Winnipeg and Edmonton. The 2019 season will mark Dickenson's 17th campaign in the CFL.
Dickenson becomes the 47th head coach in club history. He also will remain as the special teams co-ordinator.
"I want to thank Jeremy O'Day and the Saskatchewan Roughriders for giving me this great opportunity," said Dickenson. "It is a great honour to be the head coach of this storied franchise. I look forward to working with this talented group of players and coaches moving forward."
This will be Dickenson's first CFL head-coaching opportunity.
Dickenson will enter his fourth season of his second go-round with the Roughriders, spending the last three seasons as the special teams co-ordinator. He also worked with the Riders special teams during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Dickenson's brother, Dave, is head coach with the Grey Cup-champion Calgary Stampeders.
The Canadian Press
