Dave Dickenson back with Calgary Stampeders for 2027

Photo: Blair Takahashi/COACHTAK/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson will officially be back with the Calgary Stampeders for the 2027 season, the team has confirmed to 3DownNation. Mark Stephen was first to report.

The Stampeders fell short of the playoffs this year despite finishing 9-9. They are just the second CFL team to miss the playoffs with nine wins since the implementation of the crossover rule. Seven of their losses came by one-score margins.

In a recent interview, Dickenson indicated that he planned to be back in Calgary next year, though was not asked directly whether or not he’d been informed of an official decision.

“I enjoy the year. I enjoy the grind. I enjoy the process,” Dickenson said. “I do feel like there have to be ways to be better, but this year, if you’re playing in the East (Division), you’re hosting a playoff game.”

“It just was one of those years where, man, it just didn’t quite align for you. There’s got to be reasons for it, I get that, but also I do think that there’s a good foundation here. I like the people we work with and our club. It’s just unfortunate we’re not part of the playoffs, especially with the Grey Cup here, but they can’t change history of the past. You can learn from it, but you can’t change it.”

Dickenson also said that all aspects of the club’s personnel and coaching staff will be evaluated in light of this year’s disappointing result.

The 53-year-old has served as Calgary’s head coach since 2016, and added the title of general manager in 2023. He has posted a 104-69-3 record, winning a Grey Cup in 2018. The team has finished at or below .500 in three of the past four seasons.

The Calgary Stampeders (9-9) did not qualify for the CFL postseason after finishing fifth in the West Division standings.