CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders’ management succession plan continued, with the CFL club adding the general manager to head coach Dave Dickenson’s duties.
John Hufnagel has handed over the reins of general manager to his protege after 15 years in the job, but the 71-year-old will continue as both team chairman and football operations consultant.
Dickenson took over as head coach from Hufnagel in 2016 after seven years of apprenticeship under him on the coaching staff.
“I’m a big believer in having one voice, one vision,” Hufnagel said Monday at McMahon Stadium. “Dave and I have always had the same vision and that’s why when he became head coach the transition was very smooth and I expect it to be the same.
“I’m the president, so I’m accountable for every dollar spent. I’m grateful that I stayed on as a consultant, who is primarily a talent scout, because, if I can congratulate myself, I think I’m pretty good at that.”
Calgary Flames Sports and Entertainment is the majority owner of the CFL club. The Flames bought a majority stake in the Stampeders in 2012.
The addition of general manager to Dickenson’s job was included in his contract extension last year.
“It just hasn’t started so far,” Dickenson said.
“I think in the off-season, a huge change,” he continued. “I think a lot more responsibility is on my shoulders. I have to rely on my coaches a bit more. I think they are ready as well.
“The continuity is we have a plan, we stick to it, we trust people, we don’t micromanage. We have good players. Players win or lose games. We have good support. Ownership has changed here, but the support is still there.
“I got to meet (CSTC chairman) John Bean and I feel like he’s always been in our corner.”
Dickenson’s promotion overhauled football operations, with director of player personnel Brendan Mahoney also becoming assistant general manager.
American scout Cole Hufnagel, John’s son, and director of football operations Nick Bojda will take on additional responsibilities.
Dickenson said without elaborating that changes are afoot for Calgary’s coaching staff.
“Unfortunately we have changes coming up so I have to make sure I take care of that first,” the 49-year-old said.
The Stampeders reached the CFL playoffs 17 consecutive seasons, predating Hufnagel’s return in 2008 to a club he previously managed and coached quarterbacks.
Hufnagel’s record as Calgary general manager was 175-70-3 with Gray Cup wins in 2008, 2014 and 2018.
The Stampeders also reached Gray Cup games in 2012, 2016 and 2017. The 2020 CFL season was canceled due to COVID-19.
Hufnagel, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
“Huf is still here, but he’s earned the right to play off-season golf, he’s earned the right to go fishing and I think he should,” Dickenson said.
“I will always lean on him and he is there. There will be a time when he walks away completely.
“You are judged by wins and losses and playoff success. We have work to do.”
Calgary went 12-6 in 2022 and lost in the West Division semifinals for the third straight year.
Dickenson, of Great Falls, Montana, says Hufnagel has been his primary coaching and management mentor. He also learned from former BC Lions coach and general manager Wally Buono.
“I was fired many times as a player but never as a coach,” Dickenson said. “I remember Wally had a good quote saying if he wasn’t the GM he would have fired the coach, because he was both. So now I get it.”
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on December 12, 2022.
Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press
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