Corey Mace, the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ head coach, has quickly made an impact since his appointment just 11 months ago. Under his leadership, the Roughriders have rebounded from consecutive six-win seasons, making their way to the CFL West semi-final against the B.C. Lions. His coaching style, described as a “players’ coach,” has been praised for striking a balance between supporting his team and holding them accountable when necessary. Quarterback Trevor Harris and cornerback Marcus Sayles both highlight Mace’s leadership, with Harris noting his ability to know when to push the team to perform better.
Mace’s ability to inspire his players was evident during a turning point in the season when he halted practice to address a lack of intensity. His passionate speech led to a noticeable shift, and the Roughriders went on to win key games, including securing a playoff berth. Mace, who also serves as the team’s defensive coordinator, is up for CFL Coach of the Year after guiding the Roughriders to a 9-8-1 regular season.
