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Dave Dickenson
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David Dickenson (born January 11, 1973) is a Canadian-American professional football head coach and general manager for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played as a quarterback with the Stampeders and the BC Lions, where he won the 2006 Grey Cup and was named the game's MVP. Dickenson played college football for the Montana Grizzlies, where he led the team to the 1995 NCAA Division I-AA college football championship.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Dickenson attended Charles M. Russell High School in Great Falls, Montana, was an excellent student, and lettered in football, basketball, and golf. In football, he led his teams to two State Championships. Dickenson graduated from Charles M. Russell High School in 1991 with a 4.0 grade-point average. Dickenson's #15 jersey was soon retired by the school.

College career

[edit]

Dickenson is considered by many to be one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play for the University of Montana.[2] He owns numerous Big Sky Conference and Montana records. By the time he graduated in 1995, Dickenson had the highest completion percentage, highest percentage of passes for a touchdown, and fewest interceptions per pass in NCAA Division I-AA history. In his college career (including playoff games), he completed 1,015 of 1,477 passes (68.7%) for 13,486 yards with 116 touchdowns and only 26 interceptions, and was responsible for 137 total touchdowns (116 passing and 21 rushing).

In 1995, Dickenson's senior season, he threw for 5,676 yards in fifteen games, including 1,500 in four playoff games. Along with leading the Montana Grizzlies to a victory in the 1995 NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game, Dickenson won the 1995 Walter Payton Award as the outstanding offensive player in Division I-AA.

In Montana, he is known as "Super Dave" and "The Legend of the Fall."[3] His college jersey number, 15, was retired by the University of Montana. He is one of only two players so honored.[4] In 1999, Dickenson was listed as the 12th best Athlete to ever come out of Montana in Sports Illustrated's 50th Anniversary Issue.[5] In 2004, he was voted the most popular athlete from Montana in a Sports Illustrated poll.[6] In 2013, he was named the Big Sky Conference's greatest-ever male athlete.[4] In December 2018, he was to be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.[7]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump
5 ft 10+3⁄8 in
(1.79 m)		 185 lb
(84 kg)		 29+3⁄8 in
(0.75 m)		 9 in
(0.23 m)		 5.19 s 1.80 s 2.95 s 4.51 s 29.0 in
(0.74 m)

Dickenson was eligible for the 1996 NFL draft, but went undrafted.[8]

Calgary Stampeders (first stint)

[edit]

Dickenson was on the negotiation list of the Toronto Argonauts. His rights were traded to the Calgary Stampeders for wide receiver Tyrone Williams.

Dickenson signed with Calgary for the 1996 season. That year, he was a reserve quarterback and did not dress for any games.

In 1997, Dickenson got his first CFL start when Calgary's starting quarterback, Jeff Garcia, was unable to play October 18 when Calgary played in Toronto. Calgary would go on to lose 48–17. Dickenson also got significant playing time when Garcia got injured in the first quarter of the West Semi-Final against Saskatchewan. In a losing cause, Dickenson went 25 of 36 for 292 yards and 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions passing, and had a 14-yard rushing touchdown.

In 1998, Dickenson made his second CFL start when Calgary played in Winnipeg on July 24 because Garcia was sidelined with a knee injury. Calgary won 44–25. The Stampeders would go on to win the Grey Cup 26–24 over Hamilton that year, and Dickenson was the holder on the winning field goal.

In 1999, Garcia joined the San Francisco 49ers, and Dickenson became Calgary's starting quarterback. Despite suffering some injuries during the season, Dickenson was able to guide Calgary back to the Grey Cup game. This time, Calgary would lose to Hamilton 32–21.

His best year with the Stampeders was 2000. Dickenson led the CFL in passing efficiency (114.1) and completion percentage (64.3%). During the 2000 season, Dickenson earned Player of the Week honors once, was named a CFL All-Star, and won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award. The Stampeders finished first place in the West Division in a year that Calgary was hosting the Grey Cup, and hosted BC in the West Final. In the West Final, Dickenson struggled, going 4 of 11 for 53 yards and 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown passing. On the touchdown pass, Dickenson suffered a knee injury that forced him from the game. Calgary would go on to lose 37–23.

National Football League

[edit]

After generating interest from the NFL following his outstanding 2000 CFL season, Dickenson spent two seasons (2001-2002) in the National Football League. He spent the entire 2001 season as the third string QB for the San Diego Chargers, but was released by San Diego at the end of training camp in 2002 after a disappointing preseason in which he did not get to play in a game. He was then signed by the Seattle Seahawks and served as the third QB for two games before being released on September 24. In October, he signed with the Miami Dolphins following an injury to Jay Fiedler, and served as their third QB until December 3. He finished the season as the third QB for the Detroit Lions for their final two games after Joey Harrington was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.

BC Lions

[edit]

Dickenson signed as a free agent with the BC Lions in 2003, reuniting him with his head coach in Calgary, Wally Buono. During the 2003 season, in which he led the Lions into the playoffs with an 11–7, 4th-place finish in the CFL West Division, Dickenson's 36 touchdown passes and 5,496 yards (5,026 m) were the second-highest single season marks in Lions' history behind Doug Flutie in 1991. Dickenson was named Offensive Player of the Month for August 2003, was the CFL Player of the Week in Week 5, and was awarded the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy as the CFL West Division's Most Outstanding Player. Dickenson was unable to play in the team's playoff game in Toronto due to injury. BC lost 28–7.

In 2004, Dickenson began the season as the Lions' starting quarterback, but gave way to backup Casey Printers after suffering a knee injury. Printers put on a dominating performance for the rest of the season, and won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award. In the West Division Final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Printers was forced to leave the game with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter, with the score tied 14-14. Dickenson, having recovered from knee surgery and shared quarterbacking duties with Printers late in the season, played the rest of the game and threw a touchdown pass in the Lions' 27–25 overtime victory.[9] Dickenson would start and play the entire Grey Cup game against the Toronto Argonauts, which the Lions lost by a score of 27–19.

Dickenson began the 2005 season embroiled in a quarterback controversy with Printers. Dickenson emerged as the starter, and was instrumental in leading the Lions to an 11–0 start (where he played in 9 of the 11 games), en route to a league-best 12–6 season finish. Dickenson set an all-time CFL record with a passing efficiency mark of 118.8. He fell just short of the attempts required to set a further mark with a 74.0% completion rate, due to 4 games missed because of a concussion. Dickenson was named CFL Player of the Month for both July and September, and was Player of the Week twice. BC hosted Edmonton in the West Final, but lost 28–23, which meant BC would not be playing in the Grey Cup the following week.

In 2006, BC's quarterback controversy ended when Printers joined the Kansas City Chiefs. Dickenson threw for 3,032 yards (2,772 m) and 22 touchdowns while only playing 13 games. He led the Lions to the franchise's 5th Grey Cup title on November 19, 2006, with a 25–14 win over the Montreal Alouettes. Dickenson was named the Grey Cup Most Valuable Player. Dickenson's 2007 season was interrupted early by a serious concussion received on a hit from Saskatchewan's Fred Perry. Jarious Jackson eventually led the team to another first-place finish and franchise record 14 wins, but the Lions were defeated in the playoffs with a recovered Dickenson being called on to relieve Jackson. Dickenson was released from the BC Lions on November 26, 2007, after five seasons with the team.[10]

Calgary Stampeders (second stint)

[edit]

On January 31, 2008, Dickenson signed as a free agent with the Calgary Stampeders. He returned to the city where he lived with his family, and to the team where he began his professional career. He was reunited with his offensive coordinator from his first season in Calgary, John Hufnagel. Hufnagel had recently been hired as Calgary's General Manager and Head Coach. Dickenson's brother, Craig, was on the staff as special-teams co-ordinator. Dickenson's only playing time that season came in the Labour Day Classic filling in for an injured Henry Burris. However, his return was short lived, as post concussion symptoms returned, thus ending his long storied career in professional football.[11] Dickenson remained with the Stampeders for the rest of the season. Calgary went on to win the Grey Cup 22–14 over Montreal.

Dickenson retired as a player on February 4, 2009.[12]

In 2015, Dickenson was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.[13]

Playing statistics

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
  Passing   Rushing
Year[14] Team GP GS Att Comp Pct Yards TD Int Rating Att Yards Avg Long TD Fmb
1996 CAL 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1997 CAL 18 1 49 36 73.5 407 2 1 103.0 4 11 2.8 5 0 2
1998 CAL 18 1 113 79 69.9 1,170 10 4 118.2 15 66 4.4 24 3 1
1999 CAL 15 11 343 219 63.8 3,048 16 10 95.7 30 236 7.9 25 1 5
2000 CAL 18 16 493 317 64.3 4,636 36 6 114.1 56 309 5.5 36 5 8
2001 SD 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2002 SEA 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MIA 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DET 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2003 BC 18 17 549 370 67.4 5,496 36 12 112.7 44 311 7.1 21 2 7
2004 BC 8 4 98 62 63.3 967 8 2 114.6 12 78 6.5 16 0 1
2005 BC 14 11 342 253 74.0 3,338 21 5 118.8 49 299 6.1 24 3 1
2006 BC 17 12 338 238 70.4 3,032 22 7 111.2 32 195 6.1 15 0 1
2007 BC 8 3 87 56 64.4 740 3 3 88.3 9 44 4.9 13 0 0
2008 CAL 9 0 9 5 55.6 79 0 0 85.0 2 11 5.5 6 0 0
CFL totals 143 76 2,421 1,635 67.5 22,913 154 50 110.4 253 1,560 6.2 36 14 26

Playoffs

[edit]
Year & game Team GP GS ATT COMP YD TD INT RUSH YD TD
1996 West Final CGY 0 - - - - - - - - -
1997 West Semi-Final CGY 1 0 36 25 292 2 0 1 14 1
1998 West Final CGY 1 0 0 - - - - 0 - -
1999 West Semi-Final CGY 1 1 28 20 289 2 0 2 9 0
1999 West Final CGY 1 1 23 17 210 1 0 0 - -
2000 West Final CGY 1 1 11 4 53 1 2 1 3 0
2003 *East Semi-Final BC 1 0 0 - - - - - - -
2004 West Final BC 1 0 11 9 155 1 0 0 - -
2005 West Final BC 1 1 31 18 256 1 1 2 19 0
2006 West Final BC 1 1 37 27 274 3 0 5 45 0
2007 West Final BC 1 0 19 14 128 1 0 0 - -
2008 West Final CGY 0 - - - - - - - - -
Totals 10 5 197 134 1,657 12 3 11 90 1

*team qualified for crossover

Grey Cup

[edit]
Year Team GP GS ATT COMP YD TD INT RUSH YD TD
1998 CGY 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 - -
1999 CGY 1 1 38 24 321 2 1 4 26 0
2004 BC 1 1 27 18 201 1 0 8 36 1
2006 BC 1 1 29 18 184 0 0 6 53 0
2008 CGY 0 - - - - - - - - -
Totals 4 3 95 60 706 3 1 18 115 1

Coaching career

[edit]

Assistant coach

[edit]

On May 1, 2009, Dickenson made the transition from player to coach, joining the Calgary Stampeders as an offensive assistant coach. He was responsible for coaching the running backs but was also involved in other areas of the offence.[15] In 2010, Dickenson became Calgary's quarterbacks coach, called the offensive plays on game days, and was heavily involved in game planning.[16]

On December 9, 2010, he was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator.[17] In 2012, Calgary went to the Grey Cup, but lost to Toronto 35–22. The team's offence was led by Canadian running back, Jon Cornish, who rushed for 1,457 yards and was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian. In 2013, Calgary finished with a league-best 14–4 record. Cornish rushed for 1,813 yards, and was named the CFL's Top Canadian and the CFL's Most Outstanding Player. Calgary won games with three different starting quarterbacks: Drew Tate, Kevin Glenn, and Bo Levi Mitchell. The Stampeders would go on to lose the West Final at home 35–13 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Prior to the 2014 season, Calgary signed Dickenson to a three-year contract extension as offensive coordinator and added assistant head coach to his title.[18] That year, Calgary won the Grey Cup 20–16 over Hamilton. The team accomplished this with Mitchell in his first-year as full-time starting quarterback. Mitchell won the Grey Cup MVP award.

On December 3, 2014, Calgary Stampeders general manager and head coach John Hufnagel announced that he would hand over the head coaching duties to Dickenson for the 2016 season.[19] Dickenson retained the titles of Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator for the 2015 season.[20]

Head coach

[edit]

Dickenson led Calgary to a franchise record for points in a season with a 15-2-1 record in 2016.[21] The Stampeders were also unbeaten over a 16-game stretch, which was a single-season league record. He also became the first rookie head coach in the Canadian Football League to win 14 games and also had the second highest point total in league history (one behind the 1989 Edmonton Eskimos).[22] The team also finished with a perfect 9–0 home record, which was the third such instance in team history.[23] Because of all his success Dickenson won the Annis Stukus Trophy for coach of the year.[24] On January 20, 2017, Dickenson and the Stampeders agreed to a 3-year contract extension through the 2020 CFL season.[25]

Calgary was defeated in the 2016 and 2017 Grey Cup games. Dickenson won his first Grey Cup as a head coach in 2018 following the team's victory in the 106th Grey Cup game.

On December 12, 2022, it was announced that Dickenson had been named the team's general manager in addition to retaining his head coaching duties.[26]

Head coaching record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Result
CGY 2016 15 2 1 .861 1st in West Division 1 1 Lost 104th Grey Cup
CGY 2017 13 4 1 .750 1st in West Division 1 1 Lost 105th Grey Cup
CGY 2018 13 5 0 .722 1st in West Division 2 0 Won 106th Grey Cup
CGY 2019 12 6 0 .667 2nd in West Division 0 1 Lost West Semi-Final
CGY 2020 Season Cancelled
CGY 2021 8 6 0 .571 3rd in West Division 0 1 Lost West Semi-Final
CGY 2022 12 6 0 .667 3rd in West Division 0 1 Lost West Semi-Final
CGY 2023 6 12 0 .333 3rd in West Division 0 1 Lost West Semi-Final
CGY 2024 5 12 1 .306 5th in West Division – – Did not qualify
CGY 2025 11 7 0 .611 3rd in West Division 0 1 Lost West Semi-Final
Total 95 60 3 .611 3 West Division
Championships		 4 7 1 Grey Cup

Personal life

[edit]

Dickenson became a Canadian citizen on April 30, 2024.[27][28]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dave Dickenson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dave Dickenson (born January 11, 1973) is an American-born coach and former professional , best known for his successful career in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and his current role as and general manager of the . A highly accurate passer renowned for his efficiency, Dickenson won three s as a player, earned the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award in 2000, and later added two more rings as a coach, including as of the Stampeders in 2018. Inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2015 and the in 2018, he became a Canadian citizen in 2024 after a distinguished career that also included brief stints in the (). Born in , Dickenson excelled in football from an early age, playing high school ball at Charles M. Russell High School before attending the . There, as the starting from 1992 to 1995, he led to the 1995 NCAA Division I-AA national championship, throwing for 3,038 yards and 30 touchdowns that season while earning the as the top offensive player in I-AA football. A three-time All- selection and academic All-American, Dickenson set multiple school records and was later honored in the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame (2002), Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame (2020), and (2018). Dickenson entered professional football after being selected first overall by the in the 1996 CFL Draft, where he played five seasons (1996–2000) and contributed to the team's 1998 victory. After brief NFL tryouts with teams including the and (2001–2002), he joined the in 2003, leading them to a 2006 win as the game's MVP after throwing for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Returning to Calgary for the 2008 season, he helped secure another that year and retired in early 2009 with career CFL totals of 22,913 passing yards, 154 touchdowns, and a league-record 110.4 . During his playing tenure, he set CFL single-season records for completion percentage (74.0% in 2005) and was a four-time West Division All-Star. Transitioning seamlessly to coaching, Dickenson joined the Stampeders staff in 2009 as running backs coach, advancing to quarterbacks coach (2010), (2011–2015)—where he helped win the 2014 —and in 2016. As , he has compiled a 95–60–3 record through the 2025 season, earning the Annis Stukus Trophy as CFL Coach of the Year in 2016 and leading to appearances in 2016, 2017, and 2018, with a championship in the latter. In 2025, the Stampeders finished 11–7, third in the West Division, and lost in the West Semi-Final. Appointed in 2023, Dickenson has overseen playoff appearances for the franchise in 2023 and 2025, including a return after missing the postseason in 2024, while operating the annual Dickenson Passing Academy to develop young talent.

Early years

Early life

Dave Dickenson was born on January 11, 1973, in Great Falls, Montana, to American parents Bob and Sue Dickenson. He grew up in a family with strong ties to Montana, alongside his older brother Craig Dickenson, who would later pursue a coaching career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), and his older sister Amy, Craig's twin. His mother, Sue, served as a legislator in Montana, reflecting a household that valued education and public service. The family resided in Great Falls, where Dickenson developed an early passion for sports, particularly football, amid the region's rugged outdoor lifestyle and community emphasis on athletics. During his formative years in Montana, Dickenson balanced academics and athletics, excelling as a multi-sport . He attended Charles M. Russell High School in Great Falls, where he lettered in football, , and . His early interest in football blossomed into standout performances, as he demonstrated leadership and skill on the field despite his relatively small stature of 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds. Dickenson maintained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average throughout high school, showcasing his dedication to scholarship alongside his athletic pursuits. At Charles M. Russell High School, Dickenson's career was marked by exceptional success as the starting . He led the Rustlers to an undefeated 23-0 record over two seasons, securing back-to-back Class AA state championships in 1989 and 1990. For his efforts, he earned first-team all-state honors and was named Offensive MVP in both championship seasons, along with Montana's Player of the Year recognition. The school later retired his #15 jersey in honor of his contributions. Dickenson's academic excellence in high school laid the foundation for his later pursuit of studies at the collegiate level. He transitioned to the , where he continued his football career while maintaining strong academic performance.

College career

Dickenson enrolled at the in 1992, where he majored in while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. As the starting for the Montana from 1993 to 1995, he set 28 school passing records and became the program's all-time leading passer with 11,080 yards. His tenure transformed the Grizzlies into a powerhouse, culminating in a 34-7 record over three seasons, three playoff appearances, and two titles. In his senior year of 1995, Dickenson led Montana to its first NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) , a 22-20 victory over Marshall in the title game, where he threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns. That season, he threw for a then-school and Big Sky record 4,176 passing yards in the regular season alone, averaging 379.6 yards per game—a mark that ranks fifth all-time in FCS history. Dickenson's individual excellence earned him the 1995 as the top I-AA player, two First Team All-American selections (1994 and 1995), and three First Team All-Big Sky honors along with three Big Sky Offensive MVP awards (1993–1995). Academically, he was a three-time Academic All-American and the 1995 National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete. Following his collegiate career, the retired his No. 15 jersey in a during his senior year, one of only two such honors in program history. In 2018, Dickenson was inducted into the , recognizing his lasting impact on the sport.

Professional playing career

Calgary Stampeders (1996–2000)

Dave Dickenson joined the in 1996 after a standout college career at the , where he led the Grizzlies to a Division I-AA national championship. The Stampeders acquired his negotiation rights from the and signed him to a two-year contract, positioning him as a promising backup behind starter during a competitive era under head coach , who had guided the team to victories in 1992 and was building on a strong foundation in the West Division. Dickenson did not see game action in his rookie season as the team finished with a 13-5 record, first in the West Division, advancing to the Western Final. In 1997 and 1998, Dickenson served primarily as Garcia's backup, appearing in 18 games each year while navigated a rebuilding phase amid roster transitions and injuries. He completed 36 of 49 passes for 407 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception in 1997, contributing sparingly to a 10-8 finish, second in the West Division, and a playoff appearance where they lost in the West Semi-Final. The following year, Dickenson saw increased action with 79 completions on 113 attempts for 1,170 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, helping the team rebound to a 12-6 record and first place in the West Division. advanced through the Western Final with a 33-10 victory over the Eskimos, then defeated the 26-24 in the 86th to claim the franchise's fourth , though Dickenson's role remained limited as a reserve. Buono's leadership emphasized a balanced offense and defense, setting the stage for Dickenson's growth. Dickenson emerged as the full-time starter in 1999 following Garcia's departure to the , marking his transition to a key offensive leader during Calgary's push for consistency. In 15 games, he threw for 3,048 yards with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on 219 of 343 completions (63.8 percent), guiding to an 8-10 record despite defensive struggles that kept them out of the . His performance demonstrated poise in Buono's West Coast-style offense, which prioritized quick releases and play-action passes to leverage Calgary's receiving corps. The 2000 season solidified Dickenson's breakout, as he started all 18 games and passed for a career-high 4,636 yards with an league-leading 36 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions on 317 of 493 attempts (64.3 percent completion rate). This effort powered to a 12-5-1 record and another Western Final appearance, where they fell 42-31 to the , but Dickenson's efficiency earned him Western Division All-Star honors, CFL All-Star selection, and the league's Most Outstanding Player Award. Over his initial stint from 1997 to 2000, Dickenson accumulated 9,261 passing yards, 64 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, establishing himself as a precise, intelligent integral to Calgary's offensive resurgence.

National Football League (2001–2002)

Following his success as the Canadian Football League's Most Outstanding Player in 2000, Dave Dickenson pursued an opportunity in the , signing a two-year contract with the as an unrestricted on February 28, 2001. He spent the entire 2001 season with the Chargers as their third-string quarterback behind starter and rookie , but did not appear in any regular-season games and recorded no statistics. Dickenson was released by the Chargers on August 31, 2002, during training camp as the team finalized its roster. He quickly joined the , who claimed him off waivers on September 3, 2002, but was released by the team on September 25 after appearing in no games. Later that season, on October 16, 2002, the signed him to bolster their quarterback depth amid injuries, positioning him as the third-string option behind and ; he remained inactive for five games before being waived on December 3. Dickenson's NFL tenure concluded with a brief stint with the Detroit Lions, who signed him on December 18, 2002, to provide emergency depth, though he saw no action in the team's final games. Over his two seasons in the league, he attended multiple training camps and workouts but failed to secure a lasting roster spot, exemplifying the difficulties faced by CFL quarterbacks transitioning to the NFL's higher level of competition and depth at the position.

BC Lions (2003–2007)

Dickenson signed with the BC Lions as a free agent in 2003, reuniting with head coach Wally Buono from his Calgary days and taking over as the starting quarterback. Over his five seasons with the team, he appeared in 57 regular-season games, completing 979 of 1,414 passes for 13,573 yards and 90 touchdowns, while leading the Lions to consistent playoff contention. His efficient passing and mobility helped transform the Lions into a Western Division powerhouse under Buono's guidance. In 2003, Dickenson had a breakout season, throwing for a career-high 5,496 yards and 36 touchdowns to earn West All-Star honors and guide the Lions to the . The following year, injuries limited him to eight games, but he started in the 2004 Western Final victory and the , where the Lions fell 27–19 to the despite his efforts early in the game. The Lions captured the Western Division title that season, finishing with a 13–5 record. Dickenson faced injury challenges in 2005, including ankle sprains, a , back spasms, and a , yet he played 14 games and passed for 3,338 yards and 21 touchdowns, helping the Lions to a 12-6 record and first place in the West, though they lost in the Western Final. He rebounded strongly in 2006, leading the Lions to another Western Division championship with 3,032 yards and 22 touchdowns during the regular season. The 2006 campaign peaked in the , where Dickenson directed a 25–14 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in , completing 18 of 29 passes for 184 yards without turnovers to earn game MVP honors. In 2007, recurring concussions sidelined him for most of the year, limiting him to just 87 pass attempts for 740 yards and three touchdowns; he was released by the Lions following the season.

Calgary Stampeders (2008)

Following his release from the on November 26, 2007, due to recurring injuries including a third in less than two years and considerations, Dickenson signed as a with the on January 31, 2008. The move marked an emotional return to the team where he had begun his CFL career in 1996 and spent his first five professional seasons, allowing the 35-year-old to rejoin his hometown club as a backup to starter while adding veteran depth to the roster. Stampeders head coach and general manager praised Dickenson's championship experience, noting he would "bring leadership and stability" to the position. During the 2008 regular season, Dickenson appeared in nine games primarily in relief roles, completing 5 of 9 passes for 79 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions before being placed on the six-game on due to post-concussion symptoms sustained in the Labour Day Classic against the Edmonton Eskimos. In this capacity, he served as a key mentor to Burris, offering guidance on preparation and game management that contributed to the team's offensive cohesion and eventual success. Dickenson's presence underscored his value beyond statistics, drawing on his prior CFL achievements—including two wins—to foster a winning culture within the Stampeders' quarterback room. The finished the regular season with a 13–5 record, securing first place in the West Division and advancing to the . Dickenson remained part of the team through their 22–18 victory over the Lions in the Western Final and their 22–14 triumph against the Alouettes on November 23 in , marking his third as a player. Unable to obtain medical clearance to continue playing due to ongoing effects, Dickenson announced his retirement on February 4, 2009, reflecting on the homecoming as a fitting close to his 11-year CFL career and expressing intent to remain involved with the organization in a coaching capacity.

Playing statistics and accomplishments

Career statistics

Dave Dickenson recorded no statistics in the , where he had brief stints with the , , , and in 2001 and 2002 without appearing in any regular season or playoff games. Dickenson's playing statistics were amassed entirely in the Canadian Football League across 12 seasons with the and . His regular season passing totals stand at 1,635 completions on 2,421 attempts for 22,913 yards, with 154 touchdowns and 50 interceptions, yielding a 67.5% completion percentage and a league-record 110.4 .
YearTeamAttCompComp %YdsTDInt
1997CGY493673.540721
1998CGY1137969.91,170104
1999CGY34321963.83,0481610
2000CGY49331764.34,636366
2003BC54937067.45,4963612
2004BC986263.396782
2005BC34225374.03,338215
2006BC33823870.43,032227
2007BC875664.474033
2008CGY9555.67900
CareerCFL2,4211,63567.522,91315450
Dickenson appeared in multiple CFL playoff games during his career, including three Grey Cups, all victories. In the 1998 Grey Cup, he served as backup quarterback to and did not record any passing statistics. In the 2006 Grey Cup, starting for the in a 25-14 win over the Alouettes, he completed 18 of 29 passes for 184 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions while adding 53 rushing yards, earning honors. In the 2008 Grey Cup with the , he entered as a backup and recorded limited passing statistics in relief of the starter.

Awards and honors

Dave Dickenson earned numerous accolades during his professional playing career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), highlighting his prowess as a and his contributions to team success. In 2000, while with the , Dickenson was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player after leading the league with 4,636 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, completing 317 of 493 passes for a 64.3% completion rate. He also received the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy as the West Division's Most Outstanding Player that year, along with West Division All-Star and CFL All-Star honors. Dickenson repeated as the West Division Most Outstanding Player in 2003 with the , earning another West Division All-Star selection for his performance that included 5,496 passing yards and 36 touchdowns. In the 2006 , Dickenson was named after completing 18 of 29 passes for 184 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions to lead the Lions to a 25-14 victory over the Montreal Alouettes, securing his second championship ring as a starter. As a player, Dickenson won three Grey Cup championships: with the in 1998 as a backup to , with the in 2006, and returning to the Stampeders for the 2008 title. Dickenson's college achievements carried into his professional recognition, including the 1995 as the top player in NCAA Division I-AA football, where he led the Montana Grizzlies to a national championship. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2015 for his overall impact in the CFL, the in 2018, and the Montana Football Hall of Fame.

Coaching career

Assistant coaching roles (2009–2015)

Following his retirement from playing in 2008, Dickenson joined the coaching staff in 2009 as running backs coach under head coach . In 2010, he was promoted to quarterbacks coach, a position in which he mentored key players including while also calling offensive plays during games. Dickenson advanced to following the 2010 season and was additionally named assistant head coach, serving in both roles from 2011 to 2015. During this period, Dickenson's offensive schemes contributed to consistently strong performances, with ranking first in the West Division in net offence in four of his five seasons as coordinator. The unit emphasized balanced attacks that supported emerging talents like Bo Levi Mitchell and running back Jon Cornish, prioritizing efficient passing and ground control to maximize scoring opportunities. For instance, in 2014, led the CFL in scoring with 550 points en route to a 15–3 regular-season record. Under Dickenson's coordination, the Stampeders reached the in 2012, falling 35–22 to the , and won the championship in 2014 with a 20–16 victory over the .

Head coach and (2016–present)

Dave Dickenson was named head coach of the on December 2, 2015, succeeding , who stepped down from coaching duties after the 2015 season to focus on his role as . In his debut season, Dickenson led the Stampeders to a 15–2–1 regular season record and the West Division title, earning the Annis Stukus Trophy as the CFL's Coach of the Year. The team advanced to the but lost 39–33 to the . Under Dickenson's leadership, captured West Division championships in 2016, 2017, and 2018, appearing in three consecutive Cups from 2016 to 2018. The pinnacle came in 2018, when defeated the 27–16 in the to secure the franchise's eighth championship and Dickenson's first as . Despite losses in the 2016 and 2017 Cups, Dickenson's teams demonstrated consistent playoff contention during this dominant stretch. On December 12, 2022, Dickenson added the general manager title ahead of the 2023 season, becoming one of only two CFL figures to hold both roles. In this dual capacity, he managed free agency negotiations and draft selections, including key signings such as defensive lineman James Vaughters during the 2023 free agency period to bolster the roster. Draft successes included selecting receiver Clark Barnes in the third round (24th overall) of the 2023 CFL Draft, who contributed significantly on special teams and defense. These moves aimed to sustain competitiveness amid transitions, such as trading longtime quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in January 2023. The 2024 season marked a downturn, with finishing 5–12–1 and missing the for the first time since , prompting criticism of the team's performance. Despite this, on October 28, 2024, the organization announced Dickenson's return as and general manager for the 2025 season, citing his overall contributions and potential for rebound.

Coaching record

Dave Dickenson served as head coach of the from 2016 to present, compiling a regular season record of 95–60–3 through the end of the 2025 campaign. His playoff record is 4–7. Under his leadership, the Stampeders reached the three times, losing in 2016 and 2017 before winning in 2018.
YearRegular seasonFinish (West Division)Playoffs
201615–2–11stWest Champions; lost Grey Cup (1–1)
201713–4–11stWest Champions; lost Grey Cup (1–1)
201813–5–01stWest Champions; won Grey Cup (2–0)
201912–6–02ndLost West Semi-Final (0–1)
2020Season cancelled due to COVID-19——
20218–6–03rdLost West Semi-Final (0–1)
202212–6–03rdLost West Semi-Final (0–1)
20236–12–03rdLost West Semi-Final (0–1)
20245–12–15thDid not qualify
202511–7–03rdLost West Semi-Final (0–1)

Personal life and legacy

Personal life

Dickenson was the youngest of three children to parents Bob and Sue Dickenson, both educators whose influence instilled a strong emphasis on academics and . His mother also served as a legislator in the , reflecting a family tradition of public involvement. He is married to Tammy Dickenson, an native and pharmacist, and the couple has two children: daughter Avery and son Cooper. Avery, now of , played a key role in inspiring her father to pursue Canadian citizenship. Dickenson's older brother, Craig Dickenson, shares his passion for football and currently serves as the special teams coordinator for the , making their professional collaboration a family affair. On April 30, 2024, Dickenson became a naturalized citizen while retaining his American citizenship, embracing a dual identity after more than two decades in ; he marked the occasion by celebrating his first as a citizen on , 2024, noting the significance of now voting alongside his wife and children. The family resides in , , which Dickenson has long considered home due to its deep personal and professional roots. During his time at the , Dickenson majored in , achieving a 3.84 GPA and earning three-time Academic All-American honors, with initial aspirations toward a medical career before fully committing to football. Off the field, he maintains a low-profile focused on family and community, including active involvement with the in and support for the Calgary Urban Project Society, which aids vulnerable populations in the city.

Legacy

Dave Dickenson's legacy in is marked by his pioneering role as an American quarterback who thrived in the CFL, amassing three championships as a player in 1998 with the , 2006 with the (where he was named MVP), and 2008 again with . His seamless transition to coaching further solidified his impact, earning two additional rings: one in 2014 as with Calgary and another in 2018 as , contributing to a total of five championships across his dual roles. This rare arc exemplifies his enduring influence on the sport, bridging eras from the late to the present. Dickenson's mentorship of quarterbacks spans decades, from operating the annual Dickenson Passing Academy to guide young signal-callers and receivers, to developing talents like and during his Stampeders tenure. His guidance has elevated quarterback play across the league, fostering a pipeline of skilled American and Canadian passers who adapt to the CFL's unique demands. Under his leadership since 2016, the achieved sustained success, including a 15-2-1 regular-season record in his debut year and multiple West Division titles, transforming the franchise into a perennial contender while integrating high-caliber American talent to enhance overall competitiveness. In 2025, the team posted an 11–7 regular-season record, securing a playoff berth and demonstrating progress in the rebuild. Additional honors underscore his broader contributions, including induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2015 for his playing career, the in 2018, and the Montana Grizzlies Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2014, he was retrospectively named the top male athlete in the first 50 years of the , and he entered the conference's Hall of Fame in 2020. Dickenson's acquisition of Canadian citizenship in April 2024 symbolizes his deep commitment to the league. Through the 2025 season, in which achieved an 11–7 record and reached the West Semi-Final, he continues as and following the post-2024 rebuild, embodying resilience and the potential for future accolades, including expanded recognition in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame for his coaching achievements.

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