UPDATED: DEC 9/14 @ 2PM EST
After nine seasons, Blake Nill has resigned as Head Coach of the Calgary Dinos.
Nill has been with the Dinos since 2006.Ā During his tenure, he has led the team three Vanier Cup appearances (2009, 2010 and 2013).Ā The Dinos Head Coach was also the recipient of the Frank Tindall Trophy in 1999 and a finalist six additional times (2000, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2012, and 2013).
Previous to the Dinos, Nill guided the Saint Maryās Huskies to two Vanier Cup Championships (2001, 2002).Ā Nill began his coaching career with St. Francis Xavier X-Men as Defensive Coordinator in 1992.Ā As a player, Nill played for the Dinos from 1980-1982 inclusively.Ā After being selected 19th overall in the CFL draft by the Montreal Alouettes he played in the CFL with additional stints in Hamilton and Winnipeg. His CFL career lasted from 1983-88.
The following is an official statement from the Calgary Dinos (courtesy of Ben Matchett):
CALGARY ā The University of Calgary Dinos announced Monday the resignation of football head coach Blake Nill.
Nill leaves the Dinos after nine seasons at the helm, compiling a 53-19 regular season record, a 16-8 mark in the postseason, and a record-setting six consecutive Canada West championships from 2008-13. His teams made three Vanier Cup appearances in that span, reaching the national final in 2009, 2010, and 2013.
The Dinos recorded a 6-2 record in 2014, culminating in a 27-15 loss to the Manitoba Bisons in the 78th Hardy Cup.
āWe thank Blake for his nine seasons of service to the Dinos and for his role in returning this program to one of national prominence,ā said Ron Wuotila, director of athletics. āWe remain absolutely committed to our goal of winning the Vanier Cup for the University of Calgary and continuing the proud 50-year tradition that is Dinos football. We will conduct a national search to find a head coach who will lead our program to the next level.ā
Nill was the fifth head coach in program history, following Dr. Dennis Kadatz (1964-68), Mike Lashuk (1969-76, 1978-82), Peter Connellan (1977, 1983-95), and Tony Fasano (1996-2005).
It is expected that Nill will be named Head Coach of UBC ThunderbirdsĀ todayĀ (TUESDAY)
On Tuesday, UBC Thunderbirds officially introduced Nill as their new Head Coach.
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
CFC Youth Game Spotlight: Quebec DB looking to separate from the herd
