The Saskatchewan Roughriders are entering the 2026 Canadian Football League season with a refreshed coaching lineup, announcing a series of strategic promotions and new hires designed to build on their recent Grey Cup success.
New Faces and Key Promotions
The most significant move sees Joshua Bell elevated from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator. He assumes the defensive play-calling duties from head coach Corey Mace, who held the dual role previously. To fill Bell's former position, the team has promoted Jordan Linnen from defensive assistant to defensive backs coach.
In terms of new additions, the Riders have brought in two familiar figures. Former defensive tackle Micah Johnson, who played for the team for the past three seasons, immediately transitions to a coaching role following his retirement. The seven-time divisional all-star, who amassed 309 tackles and 71 sacks over a stellar 13-year career, takes over as the defensive line coach. He replaces Philip Daniels, who departed for the Ottawa Redblacks.
Stusek's Deep Saskatchewan Roots
The other new full-time addition is Jeff Stusek, who joins as the special teams assistant, replacing Jeff Higgins. Stusek is no stranger to the organization or football in the province. He served as a guest coach at Roughriders training camp in both 2024 and 2025 and was previously on the club's board of directors from 2010 to 2019.
His coaching resume within Saskatchewan is extensive. Stusek spent three years as receivers coach for the University of Regina Rams before becoming their special teams coordinator in 2020 and adding assistant head coach duties in 2022. He also has experience with Regina Minor Football, at the high school level, and guided Team Saskatchewan to consecutive Football Canada Cup championships in 2018 and 2019.
Continuity on a Championship Staff
While introducing new voices, the Roughriders are maintaining considerable continuity from their Grey Cup-winning staff. Key returnees for the 2026 campaign include:
- Marc Mueller (Offensive Coordinator)
- Kent Maugeri (Special Teams Coordinator)
- Edwin Harrison (Offensive Line Coach)
- Marquay McDaniel (Receivers Coach)
- Andrew Harris (Running Backs Coach)
- Josh Donnelly (Offensive Assistant)
- Travis Brown (Linebackers Coach and Run Game Coordinator)
On the football operations side, stability remains with General Manager Jeremy O'Day, Assistant General Managers Kyle Carson and Paul Jones, Director of Football Operations Jordan Greenly, and Assistant Director of Player Personnel Larry Dean all continuing in their roles.
The announcements, made on January 5, 2026, signal the Riders' intent to refine their coaching structure while capitalizing on internal development and deep local ties. The moves also reflect the broader coaching carousel in the CFL, with former Riders Ka'Deem Carey and Jovon Johnson landing on the Toronto Argonauts' new staff under head coach Mike Miller.
