The Ottawa Redblacks have hired William Fields as their new defensive coordinator, 3DownNation has confirmed. Don Brennan of Postmedia was first to report.
Fields served as the co-defensive coordinator with the Toronto Argonauts this past season, working alongside Kevin Eiben. The team’s defence ranked first in sacks, second in takeaways, second in rushing yards allowed, fourth in net offence allowed, fifth in offensive points allowed, and eighth in passing yards allowed this past season, helping the Argonauts place second in the East Division before upsetting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to win the 111th Grey Cup.
The 46-year-old native of McKeesport, Pa. played six seasons in the CFL as a defensive back for the Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning one Grey Cup. He recorded 223 total tackles, 38 pass knockdowns, 13 interceptions, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one sack over 87 career regular season games.
Fields recently cited the legendary Jerry Glanville as his most influential mentor, calling him a “father figure.” The two coached together with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2018 as part of Fields’ many coaching stints, which also include stops with the Simon Fraser Red Leafs, B.C. Lions, Montreal Alouettes, Edmonton Elks, Tampa Bay Vipers, and Peru State Bobcats.
The Redblacks parted ways with defensive coordinator Barron Miles following the 2024 season. Ottawa finished sixth in offensive points and net yards allowed during the regular season, placing third in the East Division before a first-round playoff exit.
