The Saskatchewan Roughriders have recently made significant additions to their coaching staff, headlined by the recruitment of Marc Mueller as the offensive coordinator for a two-year tenure. The team’s head coach and defensive coordinator, Corey Mace, confirmed the appointment of Mueller, along with the re-signing of Kent Maugeri, who retains his role as special teams coordinator under a fresh two-year agreement.
Mueller, a Regina native, is a seasoned CFL coach with over a decade’s experience in the league. Commencing his professional coaching journey with the Calgary Stampeders in 2014 as a defensive assistant, Mueller ascended through the ranks, eventually taking up roles as the running backs coach (2015-2019) and quarterbacks coach (2020-2023). His coaching accolades include contributions to Grey Cup triumphs in 2014 and 2018.
Mace expresses enthusiasm regarding Mueller’s homecoming stating, “His comprehensive background and tutelage under esteemed coaches such as John Hufnagel, Dave Dickenson, and Ryan Dinwiddie make him an excellent fit for the leadership of our offense.”
The positive impact of Mueller’s coaching can be evidenced through the performance of quarterback Jake Maier. In 2023, Maier stood out as the only CFL quarterback to play all 18 regular-season games, posting 4244 yards passing—ranking third in the league. Maier showcased his talent with five outings exceeding 300 passing yards and more notably, two games with four passing touchdowns.
Mueller’s disposition for nurturing talent can also be traced back to his tenure as running backs coach, where he mentored the likes of KaDeem Carey, Don Jackson, and the prolific Jerome Messam – the latter nearly clinching back-to-back league rushing titles in 2016 and 2017.
Notably, Mueller’s football roots run deep in Saskatchewan, both as a former player and coach for the University of Regina Rams, and being the progeny of Roughrider royalty – his grandfather being the celebrated quarterback Ron Lancaster, and his father, Larry Mueller, serving as the team’s Assistant General Manager in the late 80s and early 90s.
Turning the spotlight to special teams, Kent Maugeri will continue his role as coordinator. His expertise has already made a mark on the Roughriders, leading to two players achieving West All-Star designations. The team under Maugeri’s leadership boasted noteworthy statistics such as leading in average yards per punt, being among the top in punt-return touchdowns, and maintaining a formidable kickoff-return average.
Maugeri’s first year as coordinator was particularly distinguished as Mario Alford was recognized as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, underlining the competitiveness and efficacy Maugeri brings to the Roughriders’ special teams unit.
Head coach Corey Mace celebrated Maugeri’s influence and strategic alignment, voicing confidence in Maugeri’s capability to navigate the special teams to continued success.
These strategic staffing decisions reflect the Roughriders’ intent to cement their standing in the CFL by drawing on the deep well of coaching expertise and historical ties to the community. Both Mueller and Maugeri bear the crucial task of guiding the Roughriders through the next chapters of their storied legacy.
