The Winnipeg Blue Bombers appear to be moving on from a long-time member of the coaching staff.
According to a report from the Winnipeg Free Press’ Jeff Hamilton: “The Blue Bombers have confirmed to the Free Press that STC Paul Boudreau’s contract will not be extended into the ’24 season. Boudreau has been with the CFL club since ’17, helping lead Wpg to four straight Grey Cups. It’s unclear right now who will take over the now-vacant role.”
It is unclear as to whether the Bombers will hire an external candidate for the position or will fill the role from within their own organization due to the CFL’s football operations cap. Head coach Mike O’Shea noted the challenges of the operations cap earlier this offseason, stating that “it stinks for our staff” due to the lack of ability to provide raises to winning coaches.
Boudreau spent seven seasons with the club, dating back to 2017. Prior to his time in Winnipeg, he spent 16 years at the NCAA level with Northeastern, Cincinnati, Brown, Widener, Central Connecticut State, and Fitchburg State. He also had a four-year stint with the St. Louis Rams.
The Bombers finished second in average kickoff yardage (65.9) and third in field goal percentage (90.2) in 2023 but were in the bottom tier of most other special-teams categories, including seventh in gross punting average (46.2), eighth in net punting (35.2), eighth in average kickoff return yards (20) and sixth in average punt return yardage (11.1).
Winnipeg will open their 2024 season on Thursday, June 6 when they host the Montreal Alouettes.
