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Craig Dickenson
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Craig Dickenson
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‹ The template Infobox gridiron football biography is being considered for merging. ›

Craig Dickenson (born September 4, 1971[1]) is a professional football coach who is the special teams coordinator for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He has also served as the head coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders for four seasons. He has coached professional football since 2000 and won a Grey Cup championship with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders in 2008 and with the Edmonton Eskimos in 2015.[2]

Key Information

College career

[edit]

Dickenson played college football as a kicker for the Montana Grizzlies.[3]

Coaching career

[edit]

Dickenson was a Special Teams Assistant for the NFL's San Diego Chargers in 2000 and 2001.[4]

Dickenson first coached in the Canadian Football League when he was hired by Wally Buono to be the receivers coach and offensive assistant for the CFL's Calgary Stampeders on March 25, 2002.[1] In 2003, he moved to the CFL's Montreal Alouettes to be their Running Back Coach.[5]

In 2004, Dickenson returned to Calgary to handle the receivers and running backs on the team's coaching staff.[6] He was Calgary's Special Teams Coordinator for the 2005 and 2006 seasons.[5] Prior to the 2007 season, the Stampeders announced that Dickenson had agreed to a contract extension to continue as the team's Special Teams Coordinator.[7]

Calgary's new Head Coach, John Hufnagel, kept Dickenson as the team's Special Team's Coordinator for the 2008 season.[8] Calgary won the Grey Cup that year, making Dickenson a Grey Cup champion for the first time. Dickenson remained as Calgary's Special Teams Coordinator for the 2009 season.[9] He departed the team on December 8, 2009, having spent seven years with Calgary, the final five being in charge of Special Teams.[6]

Dickenson was the Assistant Special Teams Coordinator with the NFL's Oakland Raiders for the 2010 season.[4]

Dickenson was the Special Teams Coordinator of the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders for the 2011 season,[4] and retained this position for the 2012 season.[10] On January 3, 2013, Dickenson resigned as Special Teams Coordinator of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.[11] The following day, he joined the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers to be their Special Teams Coordinator for the 2013 season.[12]

On January 28, 2014, new Edmonton Eskimos Head Coach, Chris Jones, announced that Dickenson was going to be the team's Special Teams Coordinator for the 2014 season.[13] Dickenson retained this position on Jones' staff for the 2015 season,[14] and Edmonton won the Grey Cup. This was the second time Dickenson was a Grey Cup champion.

Shortly after winning the Grey Cup, Chris Jones became the General Manager and Head Coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the 2016 season. He brought most of his coaching staff from Edmonton to Saskatchewan, including Dickenson as Special Teams Coordinator.[15] This marked Dickenson's second stint as Saskatchewan's Special Teams Coordinator. Dickenson remained in this position for the 2017[16] and 2018[17] seasons.

In January 2019, Jones resigned as Saskatchewan's General Manager and Head Coach to join the NFL's Cleveland Browns.[18] Jeremy O'Day was named Saskatchewan's General Manager.[19] Dickenson was one of the candidates O'Day interviewed for the Head Coach position, and Dickenson was subsequently promoted on January 25, 2019.[20] The Riders finished 2019 with an improved record of 13–5, winning the West Division for the first time in a decade.[21] Saskatchewan ultimately lost at home in the Western Final to the eventual Grey Cup champions, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Dickenson was nominated that year as the CFL West Division's Coach of the Year, finishing as runner-up to Hamilton's Orlondo Steinauer for the overall league award.[22]

Dickenson signed a contract extension in December 2020, keeping him as Saskatchewan's Head Coach through the 2023 season.[23] With Dickenson as Saskatchewan's Head Coach in 2021, the Riders finished second in the West Division, won their first home playoff game at new Mosaic Stadium, but once again lost to the eventual Grey Cup champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Western Final. Saskatchewan started the 2022 season under Dickenson 4-1, but ultimately finished with a disappointing 6-12 record and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

After the season, there was much speculation about the future of the Riders' coaching staff. However, on November 1, 2022, it was announced that Dickenson would return as head coach,[24] while Offensive coordinator Jason Maas and two other offensive coaches were not retained by the team.[25]

In 2023, after the Riders again posted a 6-12 record and missed the playoffs for a second straight season. The team announced they had opted not to renew Dickenson's contract on October 23, 2023.[26]

On March 12, 2024, it was announced that Dickenson had joined the Calgary Stampeders as a senior consultant.[27] After a year as a consultant, he returned to a coaching position when he was named the team's special teams coordinator on December 16, 2024.[28]

CFL coaching record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Result
SSK 2019 13 5 0 .722 1st in West Division 0 1 Lost in West Final
SSK 2020 Season Cancelled
SSK 2021 9 5 0 .643 2nd in West Division 1 1 Lost in West Final
SSK 2022 6 12 0 .333 4th in West Division - - Missed Playoffs
SSK 2023 6 12 0 .333 4th in West Division - - Missed Playoffs
Total 34 34 0 .500 1 Division
Championship		 1 2

Personal life

[edit]

Dickenson is the older brother of Dave Dickenson, the General Manager and Head Coach for the Calgary Stampeders as of December 12, 2022.[29] His mother, Sue Dickenson, is a former legislator in Montana.[30]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Craig Dickenson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Craig Dickenson is a Canadian professional football coach and former player, best known for his extensive career in the Canadian Football League (CFL) where he currently serves as the special teams coordinator for the Calgary Stampeders. He played college football as a kicker for the University of Montana Grizzlies. He later served as special teams coordinator for the Grizzlies, contributing to their 1995 NCAA Division I-AA national championship team, on which his brother Dave Dickenson was the quarterback. With over 30 years of coaching experience across the CFL, National Football League (NFL), and U.S. collegiate levels, Dickenson has held various roles including special teams coordinator, running backs coach, and receivers coach for multiple teams. Dickenson's CFL coaching tenure spans 22 seasons, beginning in 2002 with the as receivers coach and including stints with the Montreal Alouettes, , and Eskimos (now Elks). He won two championships as a coach: one with the in 2008 as special teams coordinator and another with the Eskimos in 2015 in the same role. From 2019 to 2023, he served as head coach of the , compiling a regular-season record of 34 wins and 34 losses, leading the team to the twice, including a Western Final appearance after a 13-5 campaign in 2019. His NFL experience includes special teams assistant positions with the (2000–2001) and (2010), while his collegiate roles featured special teams coordinator at (1995–1998) and running backs coach at Utah State (1999). In 2024, Dickenson joined as a senior consultant under his brother Dave, the team's , before being promoted to special teams coordinator for the 2025 season, marking his ninth year overall with the organization. Throughout his career, he has coached award-winning players such as kicker Sandro DeAngelis and returner , emphasizing disciplined special teams units known for their execution and impact on games.

Early life and family

Childhood and education

Craig Dickenson was born on September 4, 1971, in Great Falls, Montana. He grew up in the Riverview neighborhood of Great Falls, where his family resided in the same house near North Middle School for many years. Dickenson's upbringing in this close-knit Montana community fostered a strong competitive spirit, influenced by his family's encouragement of sibling rivalry through sports. During his early years, Dickenson developed an interest in football, playing the sport at local schools including North Middle School in Great Falls. This exposure laid the foundation for his lifelong involvement in the game, though he did not achieve the same level of athletic prominence as his younger brother Dave during their youth. Dickenson attended Charles M. Russell High School (CMR) in Great Falls, where he continued his involvement in football as part of the school's athletic program. Following his high school graduation, he decided to pursue higher education at the in Missoula, drawn by its strong football tradition and proximity to home. There, he earned a degree and later a Master's in and Administration between 1991 and 1997.

Family background

Craig Dickenson was born into a family with strong ties to public service and athletics in Great Falls, Montana. His mother, Sue M. Dickenson (née unknown, born August 24, 1945), served as a Democratic member of the Montana House of Representatives from 2002 to 2011, representing House Districts 47 and later 25, which covered parts of Great Falls in Cascade County. His father, Bob Dickenson, supported the family's athletic pursuits alongside Sue, though he held no publicly noted career in sports or politics. Dickenson has two siblings: a younger brother, , and a twin sister, Amy Dickenson. Dave enjoyed a distinguished professional football career as a , primarily in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he played 13 seasons with the (1997–2000, 2008), (2003–2007, 2009), and brief NFL stints with the , , and ; he won the in 2006 with the Lions, earning game MVP honors, and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2018. As of 2025, Dave serves as both and general manager for the , marking his ninth season as head coach and third as GM. Amy, residing in , has not pursued a public career in athletics or notable fields. The Dickenson family's emphasis on hard work, honesty, and community values, rooted in their Great Falls upbringing, significantly shaped Craig's early involvement in football. Both Craig and Dave played together on the Great Falls CMR High School team that won the 1989 Class AA state championship, fostering a competitive sibling dynamic under the guidance of coach Jack Johnson, whom Craig credited as a key mentor. This shared family environment, combined with parental support for their athletic endeavors, propelled Craig toward football from a young age, mirroring the path taken by his brother.

College career

Playing career

Craig Dickenson played as a kicker for the University of Montana Grizzlies during the early . In 1992, his primary season of noted participation, Dickenson contributed to the Grizzlies' special teams unit as the team compiled a 6–5 overall record and a 4–3 mark in play under head coach Don Read. The did not qualify for the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs that year, finishing tied for third in the conference standings. Dickenson's tenure as a player aligned with the early stages of Montana's rise as a competitive program in the , though specific individual statistics for his kicking performances, such as field goals or extra points, are not prominently documented in available records.

Early coaching roles

Dickenson began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Montana, where he had previously played as a kicker, joining the staff as special teams coordinator in 1995. In this role, he oversaw the Grizzlies' kicking, punting, and return units, contributing to the team's overall performance during a successful period that included the program's first NCAA Division I-AA national championship in 1995. The Grizzlies finished the 1995 season with a 13-2 record, defeating Marshall 22-20 in the title game, with special teams playing a key role in field position and scoring opportunities throughout the playoff run. He remained in the position through the 1998 season, helping develop players in special teams roles amid Montana's consistent contention in the and national playoffs. During this tenure, Dickenson focused on technique and strategy for kickers and return specialists, building on his own experience as a player to mentor emerging talent. Following the 1998 season, his work with kickers and running backs at led to an opportunity at in 1999, where he served as running backs and kickers coach. At Utah State, Dickenson continued emphasizing player development in specialized positions, working with the Aggies' running backs and kicking game during the 1999 season before transitioning to professional football. His brief stint there honed his coaching approach ahead of his move to the with the in 2000.

Professional coaching career

Assistant coaching positions

Dickenson began his professional coaching career in the (NFL) as a special teams assistant with the from 2000 to 2001. He transitioned to the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2002, joining the as receivers coach under head coach . In this role, Dickenson contributed to the development of the team's passing game, helping reach the Western Division semifinals that season. In 2003, Dickenson moved to the Alouettes as running backs coach, where he worked with a unit that supported the team's offensive efforts en route to a 14-4 regular-season record and an East Division title. He returned to the in 2004 as special teams coordinator, a position he held through 2009. During this period, Dickenson's special teams units were instrumental in key plays, including blocking two punts in a pivotal 2005 game against the that aided a comeback . His coordination led to a championship in 2008, when the Stampeders defeated the Montreal Alouettes 22–14 in the , highlighted by strong coverage and return performances that limited the opponent's field position advantages. Following the 2009 season, Dickenson briefly served as an offensive assistant with before moving to the NFL's in 2010 as assistant special teams coordinator. He returned to the CFL in 2011 with the as special teams coordinator, a role he maintained through 2012, focusing on aggressive return strategies that improved the team's average starting field position by over five yards from the previous year. Dickenson joined the in 2013 as special teams coordinator, where his unit ranked among the league's top performers in kickoff return average despite the team's overall struggles. He then moved to the Eskimos for the 2014 and 2015 seasons in the same capacity, implementing coverage schemes that forced multiple turnovers and contributed to the Eskimos' 2015 victory over the by a score of 26-23. In that game, Edmonton's special teams blocked a field goal attempt and excelled in punt coverage, securing crucial field position. Dickenson rejoined the Roughriders from 2016 to 2018 as special teams coordinator, emphasizing disciplined execution that helped the team reach the in 2018, though they fell short against the . Throughout his assistant tenure, Dickenson's special teams units consistently ranked in the top half of the CFL for net punting and return efficiency, underscoring his impact on game control and momentum shifts.

Head coaching tenure

Dickenson was promoted to head coach of the on January 19, 2019, while retaining his responsibilities as special teams coordinator. Building on his prior assistant coaching successes, including a championship with the in 2008 and the Edmonton Eskimos in 2015, he aimed to instill a balanced approach to team leadership. His tenure lasted from 2019 to 2023 across four seasons, marked by notable highs in postseason play (noting the 2020 season was cancelled due to the ). In his inaugural season, the Roughriders captured the Western Division title with a 13–5 regular-season performance and advanced deep into the playoffs, reaching the division final before falling to the . The 2021 campaign represented another key highlight, as the team posted a 9–5 record in the 14-game COVID-affected schedule, secured a playoff berth by defeating the 33–30 in overtime in the Western Semi-Final, and progressed to the Western Division final, again eliminated by the eventual Grey Cup-winning 21–17. Overall team performance fluctuated across his four seasons, with strong special teams units often providing a competitive edge amid challenges in consistency. Dickenson's contract was not renewed in October 2023, following a disappointing 6-12 season that left the team out of playoff contention. Throughout his head coaching stint, Dickenson's philosophy centered on fostering player autonomy, encouraging individuals to play to their strengths while promoting mental breaks from the game to sustain performance. He placed particular emphasis on special teams excellence, stressing the need for speed, toughness, and execution in those units, and prioritized player development by honing techniques that translated to broader team contributions.

Coaching records and achievements

Craig Dickenson served as head coach of the from 2019 to 2023 (excluding the cancelled 2020 season), compiling an overall regular-season record of 34 wins and 34 losses, for a .500 . His postseason record during this tenure stood at 1 win and 2 losses, highlighted by a Western Division title in 2019 after a 13-5 regular season. As an assistant coach, Dickenson contributed to two Grey Cup championships: the 2008 victory with the , where he served as special teams coordinator, and the 2015 win with the Edmonton Eskimos in the same role. He did not win a Grey Cup as a . In 2019, his inaugural season leading the Roughriders, Dickenson won the CFL West Division Coach of the Year award and finished as runner-up for the league-wide Annis Stukus Trophy. Dickenson's broader coaching career encompasses over 30 years across the CFL, , and U.S. collegiate levels, with more than 20 years specifically in the CFL.
SeasonTeamRegular Season RecordPostseason Result
201913-5 (.722)Lost Western Final
20219-5 (.643)Won Western Semi-Final; Lost Western Final
20226-12 (.333)Did not qualify
20236-12 (.333)Did not qualify
Total34-34 (.500)1-2

Current role and legacy

Return to Calgary Stampeders

In March 2024, Craig Dickenson joined the as a senior consultant, marking his return to the organization after previous coaching stints from 2002 and 2004 to 2009. This role allowed him to contribute across various aspects of the team's operations while staying close to family in the West Division. In December 2024, Dickenson was appointed special teams coordinator for the 2025 season, his second time in the position with , succeeding longtime coach Mark Kilam. The move was driven by his deep loyalty to the franchise and affection for , as well as the opportunity to work alongside his brother, head coach and general manager . Dickenson expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating, “It’s been great so far, I love the city of ... looking forward to getting to work for a good organization with my brother leading the way.” In preparing for the 2025 season, Dickenson focused on installing the special teams system and terminology during rookie camp, working closely with newcomers such as Australian punter Mark Vassett and snapper Jason MacGougan. Vassett noted Dickenson's immediate influence, saying, “He’s got a lot of knowledge on the game and he has already been teaching me a lot; it’s been great.” The unit showed early promise, contributing key plays like a third-down conversion in the preseason opener against the B.C. Lions on May 19 and maintaining momentum into the regular season start. Under Dickenson's guidance, ' special teams unit performed strongly throughout the 2025 season, contributing to the team's 11–7 regular-season record and third-place finish in the West Division. The team qualified for the but lost in the West Semi-Final. Punter Mark Vassett, a whom Dickenson helped develop, led the CFL with a 41.7-yard net punting average—setting a new single-season league record—and earned first-team All-CFL honors. Regarding future ambitions, Dickenson has voiced a desire to resume head coaching duties in the CFL, commenting in September 2024, “I would like to be a head coach again and if that happens, great... I’d certainly like another crack at a head opportunity because I feel like what I’ve learned... is really going to help me moving forward.” His current position with the Stampeders positions him to leverage this experience while contributing to the team's ongoing success.

Impact on Canadian football

Craig Dickenson has significantly influenced special teams strategies throughout the Canadian Football League (CFL), earning recognition for his emphasis on speed, toughness, and versatile player utilization that has shaped unit performances across multiple teams. Over his 20-plus years in the league, primarily as a special teams coordinator with organizations including the Calgary Stampeders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Edmonton Eskimos (later Elks), and Saskatchewan Roughriders, Dickenson has been credited with developing schemes that prioritize aggressive play and multi-role athletes, such as return specialists who also contribute on offense. His approach contributed to Grey Cup victories in 2008 with the Stampeders and 2015 with the Eskimos, where special teams units under his guidance executed key returns and coverage plays that bolstered championship efforts. In addition to strategic innovations, Dickenson's has extended to both players and emerging coaches, fostering development in the CFL's specialized . He has guided young specialists like punters and kickers, providing that enhanced their consistency and career longevity, as noted during his tenure with the Blue Bombers where he was praised for mentoring rookies in high-pressure scenarios. His familial connection to brother , a fellow CFL and Stampeders executive, has amplified this influence, creating a collaborative dynamic that underscores the value of experienced guidance in league-wide coaching circles. Dickenson's calm sideline presence and focus on player accountability have been highlighted as models for special teams , influencing peers through shared insights in CFL circles. Dickenson's legacy as a U.S.-born coach succeeding in exemplifies the CFL's appeal to American talent, bridging NCAA and experiences with league-specific adaptations. Originating from and building a career across borders, he represents one of the few non-Canadians to achieve head coaching status and multiple rings, inspiring cross-border recruitment and coaching pipelines. Post-2023, after departing the Roughriders, Dickenson has continued contributing as a senior consultant for in 2024 before resuming his special teams coordinator role in December 2024, where he aids in refining strategies and staff development under brother Dave's leadership.

References

  1. https://www.stampeders.com/craig-dickenson/
  2. https://www.cfl.ca/2024/03/12/craig-dickenson-joins-stampeders-staff/
  3. https://3downnation.com/2024/02/23/former-riders-head-coach-craig-dickenson-hired-by-brother-dave-as-consultant-with-stampeders/
  4. https://www.stampeders.com/2025/05/09/craig-dickenson-back-in-familiar-role/
  5. https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/sports/2019/01/25/craig-dickenson-joins-younger-brother-dave-head-coach-cfl/2683178002/
  6. https://406mtsports.com/406mtsports/bill-speltz-brotherly-love-makes-dickenson-duo-even-more-endearing/article_2030635a-2b36-5ca0-a0b3-24a0412ad60c.amp.html
  7. https://montanasports.com/more-sports/pro-sports/2019/05/31/for-dickenson-brothers-montana-upbringing-goes-hand-in-hand-with-career-success/
  8. https://ca.linkedin.com/in/craig-dickenson-83552a35
  9. https://ballotpedia.org/Sue_Dickenson
  10. https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/40566/sue-dickenson
  11. https://cfhof.ca/members/dave-dickenson/
  12. https://www.stampeders.com/dave-dickenson/
  13. https://leaderpost.com/sports/football/cfl-is-a-family-affair-for-the-dickensons
  14. https://missoulian.com/sports/college/montana/craig-dickenson-highlights-generally-have-a-family-connection/article_74e3ad32-e386-11de-a226-001cc4c002e0.html
  15. https://gogriz.com/news/2019/1/25/football-former-grizzly-craig-dickenson-named-head-coach-in-saskatchewan
  16. https://gogriz.com/sports/football/[schedule](/page/Schedule)/1992
  17. https://www.bluebombers.com/2013/01/04/blue-bombers-name-craig-dickenson-special-teams-coordinator/
  18. https://www.cfl.ca/2012/01/09/dickenson-returns-to-lead-riders-special-teams/
  19. https://www.riderville.com/2011/03/29/profile-coach-craig-dickenson/
  20. https://utahstateaggies.com/news/2000/8/1/2000_Football_Coaches_Roster
  21. https://www.cfl.ca/2009/12/08/stamps-dickenson-steps-down-as-coach/
  22. https://www.cfl.ca/2009/05/01/dickenson-joins-stamps-coaching-staff/
  23. https://www.cfl.ca/2008/11/23/calgary-stampeders-win-96th-grey-cup/
  24. https://www.cfl.ca/2013/01/04/bombers-hire-dickenson-as-special-teams-coordinator/
  25. https://www.goelks.com/2014/01/28/esks-coaching-staff-announced/
  26. https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/07/oleary-talking-special-teams-shop-craig-dickenson/
  27. https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2022/11/01/dickenson-to-return-as-riders-head-coach-despite-disastrous-2022-season/
  28. https://www.riderville.com/2019/11/07/dickenson-fajardo-judge-named-west-division-award-winners/
  29. https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/craig-dickenson-to-return-saskatchewan-roughriders-1.1871755
  30. https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders-renew-gm-o-day-s-contract-craig-dickenson-won-t-return-as-head-coach-1.2024798
  31. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/roughriders-saskatchewan-coach-1.7005249
  32. https://www.sportsnet.ca/cfl/article/roughriders-part-ways-with-head-coach-craig-dickenson-extend-gm-oday/
  33. https://www.cjme.com/2021/12/05/craig-dickenson-took-the-long-road-to-head-coaching-job/
  34. https://leaderpost.com/sports/football/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders/saskatchewan-roughriders-earn-top-marks-in-final-report-card-for-2019-season
  35. https://www.cfl.ca/2019/01/25/riders-promote-craig-dickenson-head-coach/
  36. https://leaderpost.com/sports/football/cfl/sports-craig-dickenson-hired-by-calgary-stampeders
  37. https://3downnation.com/2024/09/24/craig-dickenson-wants-to-be-a-head-coach-again-in-the-cfl/
  38. https://www.cfl.ca/2024/12/16/stamps-announce-2025-coaching-staff-barron-miles-named-dbs-coach/
  39. https://www.stampeders.com/2025/06/12/a-special-start/
  40. https://www.cfl.ca/standings/2025-regular-season/
  41. https://www.stampeders.com/2025/11/05/mills-hutchings-vassett-are-all-cfl/
  42. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-blue-bombers-hire-craig-dickenson-1.1407695
  43. https://leaderpost.com/sports/football/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders/saskatchewan-roughriders-follow-craig-dickensons-lead-on-special-teams
  44. https://www.cfl.ca/2020/03/31/the-dickenson-brothers-cfls-first-sibling-head-coaches/
  45. https://www.sportscage.com/latest-news/former-riders-head-coach-craig-dickenson-named-special-teams-coordinator-with-calgary-stampeders-9967208
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