Andrew Harris's journey with the Grey Cup and Winnipeg has come full circle. The former CFL star turned running backs coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders is now pursuing his fifth championship ring in his first year coaching, adding another chapter to his storied history with both the iconic trophy and the Manitoba capital.
From Player to Mentor
Standing in the end zone of Princess Auto Stadium where he scored numerous touchdowns throughout his illustrious career, Harris reflected on the significance of returning to Winnipeg for another Grey Cup appearance. The rookie coach has four championship rings already – two won with his hometown Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2019 and 2021, one with the B.C. Lions in 2011 when they defeated Winnipeg, and another with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022, again at Winnipeg's expense, though that game was played at Regina's Mosaic Stadium.
Harris retired after the 2023 season following a remarkable playing career that saw him become the all-time Canadian rushing leader in CFL history. He spent one year away from football working in corporate sales in Ontario, but found himself drawn back to the sport he loves.
The Coaching Transition
"When the playoffs started last year, that's when I really got the itch," Harris admitted. "I was missing football – the locker room, the guys, the process." The transition to coaching has been seamless for the former star. "It's been smooth. I'm loving it. The hours are longer, but the days fly by. When you're doing something you love, it doesn't feel like work."
Roughriders head coach Corey Mace, who worked with Harris as Toronto's defensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023, didn't hesitate to bring the veteran into his coaching staff. Mace describes Harris as bringing "a wealth of knowledge at the position and beyond" to the team. "He's a hell of a coach and it's going to be a bright future for him in the coaching business," Mace added.
Championship Experience Meets New Challenge
This Grey Cup week presents a unique scenario for Harris – competing in Winnipeg without the Blue Bombers involved, as the Roughriders prepare to face the Montreal Alouettes. The setting nevertheless feels familiar for the coach who has so much history with both the city and the championship game.
"Winnipeg has been a part of my stories in Grey Cups and winning one as a coach in my first year would be absolutely outstanding," Harris said. "I'm really blessed to be in this situation, to be in this game in my rookie season as a coach."
Harris won his first Grey Cup in just his second full season with the B.C. Lions back in 2011. Now he's experiencing championship week from the other side of the clipboard, passing on his extensive knowledge to Saskatchewan's running backs as the team pursues the championship that has defined their aspirations since training camp began.
