Dickenson signs extension with Stampeders, adds assistant head coach role

CALGARY – Dave Dickenson is staying in Calgary, signing a three-year contract with the Stampeders to serve as the CFL team’s offensive co-ordinator and assistant head coach.

Dickenson has run Calgary’s offence for the past three seasons, helping the Stampeders lead the CFL with 1,595 points scored over that span.

In 2013, Calgary led the league with 549 points scored with an offence featuring rushing champion and most outstanding player Jon Cornish of New Westminster, B.C.

Additionally, Calgary allowed the fewest sacks in the CFL and saw three different quarterbacks earn victories as starters.

While Dickenson was in the conversation for head coach vacancies in Edmonton and Winnipeg, he will remain with the city where he has spent the bulk of his time in the CFL. With the job of assistant head coach now part of his duties, he will continue to work closely with Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel.

“Calgary is my home — my family loves it here and I’m very happy to remain with the Stampeders,” Dickenson said in a statement. “I’ve enjoyed working with Huff, the coaching staff and these very talented players and I look forward to going back to work with this group and building on the success of recent seasons.”

Dickenson’s association with the Stampeders started in 1996 when he joined the team as a quarterback. He played four seasons in Calgary, winning the 2000 most outstanding player before trying to break into the NFL.

He returned to the CFL in 2003 and played five seasons with the B.C. Lions, where he led them to a championship in 2006 and was named Grey Cup MVP.

He returned to Calgary for a final season in 2008, serving as a backup to Henry Burris, before retiring and joining the Stamps as a running backs coach. He finished his playing career with three Grey Cup rings.

“Dave is a valuable member of the Stampeders organization and I am pleased that we have come to this mutual long-term commitment,” said Hufnagel. “Our offence has been very effective under the guidance of Dave and his staff and I look forward to continued success. We all have great respect for what Dave has accomplished as a player and a coach and I know he will continue to excel in his expanded role.”