University of Manitoba, Bisons football coach Stan Pierre was shocked when he heard the news, but he doesn’t believe the rules will be adopted outside the CFL. “Really shocked and kind of bewilderment, I am wondering what his rationale is and where are they going with this thing?” said Pierre.

For the full story, please head to CityNews Winnipeg.

“Other than the people in the top brass, it sounds like a lot of people were caught off-guard,” said Dobie, who spent 29 seasons as head coach of the University of Manitoba Bisons. “I mean, high school officials, university officials — nobody saw this coming.”

Dobie retired in 2024 after 50 seasons pacing the sidelines. He says in his decades involved in the game, he’s never seen the landscape change as much in one day as it did this week. 

To read the full article, please visit the CBC website

A career built on passion and perseverance 

Brian’s journey with the Bisons began at a young age. “My dad took me to watch my first Bison Football game in 1968.” Brian recalls. Just a few years later Brian was on that same field, this time playing on the Bisons football team while he pursued his Bachelor of Physical Education degree in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. After graduating, he embarked on a coaching career that would span decades and redefine excellence. His first coaching role was with the Churchill High School Bulldogs, where he led the team to three Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL) championships and solidified his reputation as a leader who could inspire greatness. 

In 1996, Brian took the helm of the Bisons Football program, beginning a 29-year tenure that would make him the winningest coach in Bisons history. His dedication to scouting and recruiting has brought exceptional talent to the Bisons Football program, while his genuine care for each athlete and their families has created a foundation of trust and respect.  

His accolades include six Canada West Coach of the Year awards, a U SPORTS Coach of the Year award, two U SPORTS National Championship appearances, and a coveted Vanier Cup title in 2007. 

“It’s not just winning the Vanier Cup in 2007. It’s the process. It’s everything that led to it and what we went through to be up there. To me, this ring and that Vanier Cup championship quite literally symbolize the best of everything. It stands as a testament to all of our teams—those who have worked tirelessly to represent the University of Manitoba, both past and present,” reflects Brian.

Brian’s impact is evident in the success of his players. Under his guidance, 64 student-athletes were drafted by CFL teams, and two went on to play in the NFL. Many of his former players have also become coaches, carrying forward the lessons they learned from Brian through every province in the country, including four CFL coaches.

A legacy of leadership 

What truly sets Brian apart is his unwavering commitment to his players. Beyond the wins and accolades, he fostered a family-like culture that prioritized personal growth and community. His tireless efforts in recruiting, fundraising, and mentorship have created a legacy of support that extends far beyond the field. 

“Our ultimate goal is to develop these men and women. No question about it. Winning is a byproduct of the entire process.” 

Brian’s dedication to building a thriving football program has been a cornerstone of his leadership. From the days when the team’s facilities included a tin shed locker room, Dobie’s vision for growth and excellence has driven every step forward. “It was a huge thing that happened for that stadium to get built on our campus. It elevated our program to new standards and exposed our athletes to a whole new level of professionalism. Our athletes understand their responsibility in passing that culture forward,” he emphasizes, highlighting the deep-rooted pride and forward-looking spirit that fuels the program. The milestone moment came with the opening of the new stadium on campus. Brian vividly recalls the electrifying atmosphere during the inaugural game, describing how “There were 12,000 people. It felt like there were 222,000 people!” That roar not only celebrated a new chapter for UM Football, but a testament to Brian’s relentless dedication to elevating the program and creating a legacy for future generations of athletes. 

Brian’s greatest accomplishment is the profound impact of the program beyond the field, saying, “We’re part of something that counts — that matters. This is the best classroom in the world. I genuinely mean it. In terms of people growing and learning about themselves and dealing with adversity, dealing with all the intrinsics that come with that of a football program. Everybody is there to back everybody up,” reiterating the character, resilience and strong relationships built in the Bisons Football program that will be a lasting legacy. 

As we celebrate Brian’s accomplishments at the 66th UM Distinguished Alumni Awards presented by TD Insurance on September 18, 2025, UM is proud to recognize his legacy as one of dedication, community, and inspiration. 

Learn more about this year’s inspiring 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. 

This free, all-ages event runs on the concourse from 12 to 5 p.m. and brings alumni, students, families and friends together for an afternoon of fun and celebration. 

Here’s what you can look forward to: 

• Bisons Homecoming Football game

• Alumni lounge

• New Bisons athletics logo reveal 

• Kid’s zone 

• Billy the Bison’s Bday Party 

• Merchandise pop-up shop featuring the new Mondetta x UM collaboration

• Live entertainment 

• Speaker series 

• Prizes and giveaways

• Free parking

• And much more! 

Billy the Bison’s Bday Party is one of the day’s family-friendly highlights, celebrating their 40th birthday with cupcakes, face painting, bouncy castles and visits from local mascot friends. Billy’s milestone birthday will be celebrated throughout the Bisons Block Party for fans of all ages. 

It’s all part of Homecoming 2025, taking place from September 18 to 20. Explore events across campus, including the 66th Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence Gala, the Homecoming Concert, Bisons Soccer games and campus tours. 

Tickets for the Bisons Homecoming Football game will give you access to all the Bisons Block Party activities. Registration is free and available through Ticketmaster. For groups of 10 or more, please register here. 

Tickets for the Homecoming Bisons Soccer games are available on Ticketmaster.

Tickets for the Homecoming Concert are free and available through Showpass.

To explore the full schedule of events and register, visit the Homecoming page. 

See you there! 

Coach Eggie is also the first female football coach with the University of Manitoba Bisons football team. She joined the team in the 2024 season. 

She talks about her path into coaching, what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated sport, and how more women are getting involved in football at the professional level.

To listen to the entire conversation, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba.

In her spare time, Eggie — an assistant coach for the Manitoba Bisons football team — takes great pride in crushing 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles in the span of a day.

“My God, yeah, I like puzzling,” says Eggie, a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers coaching staff during training camp as part of the Women in Football program, presented by KPMG.

“I don’t have time for it at the moment, but yeah, if I start something, I like to finish it.  I’ll stay up late if I have to.”

To read the entire article, please follow the link to the CFL.ca

Surrounded by his past and present players, friends, and passionate football fans, Coach Brian Dobie took to the stage—not to boast of his own achievements, but to celebrate the remarkable journeys of the athletes he had the privilege of coaching. As the evening drew to a close, one thing became undeniably clear: nothing is impossible!

From the moment he began speaking, Brian Dobie’s selflessness and genuine love for his players shone through. He shared stories about the lives he had watched transform, the hurdles overcome, and the belief of potential of those who had walked through the doors of the Bison Football Program.

One of the most powerful stories he shared was that of Maya Turner, who was present at the lecture. He recalled the first time he came across her film—initially keeping it on the back burner as it wasn’t traditional game footage, however, evidently, her film stood out above all others. Turner was brought into tryouts, going up against their graduating kicker, and time and time again, she outperformed him. Dobie made sure to highlight that Maya Turner wasn’t just good for a girl—she was flat out good. Today, she holds her place in history as the first woman ever to play and score in a U SPORTS football game.

Another inspiring story that resonated deeply with the audience was that of Nick Thomas. Also in attendance, Thomas’s journey to the Bisons was nothing short of incredible. He grew up in the foster care system, moving through ten different foster homes after his father was deported and his mother was unable to care for him and his sister. Initially skeptical about recruiting from community football, Dobie was won over by Thomas’s film. But the real challenge came when Thomas stepped into his office one day, ready to quit. He believed he was “too dumb” for university and convinced he wouldn’t be able to grasp Coach Pierre’s defensive drills. Dobie refused to let him give up, urging him to persevere. That perseverance paid off—Nick Thomas is now an Academic All-Canadian and a First-Team All-Canadian.

While the lecture had its deeply emotional moments, it was also filled with laughter. One sentiment that Dobie emphasized was what makes being a Bison so unique: this university cares. He recounted the criticisms he’s heard from others, who say, “You guys accept everyone.” His response was simple yet impactful: “Yes, and shouldn’t we? Shouldn’t we give students opportunities to further their education?”

By the end of the night, every person in the room left inspired. Brian Dobie’s words weren’t just about football—they were about life, about perseverance, and about believing in the impossible. It was a privilege to have him at the Marjorie Ward Lecture, and an even greater privilege to witness the impact he has made on so many lives.

A storied career in Canadian football

Dobie, a pillar of Canadian university football, has made a profound impact on the sport. He took over as head coach of the Manitoba Bisons in 1996, inheriting a team that had finished 0-8 the previous season. Under his leadership, the Bisons rapidly improved, culminating in a first-place finish and a Hardy Cup appearance in 2000. Since then, Dobie brought the Bisons to their first Hardy Cup Championship victory in over three decades, three Canada West Championships and two appearances at the Vanier Cup, including their first national championship title. Coach Dobie also earned the title of U SPORTS Coach of the Year in 2001 as well as five-time Canada West Coach of the Year.

Making a difference on and off the field

Brian Dobie’s influence goes beyond game strategy. In 2022, he made history by recruiting Maya Turner to the Bisons, making her the first woman to score a point in U SPORTS history. This groundbreaking move not only showcased his commitment to inclusivity in sports but also inspired countless young female athletes across the nation.

Furthermore, Dobie has been a vocal advocate for integrity in athletics. Following concerns about performance-enhancing drug use among aspiring professional athletes, Dobie emphasized the importance of clean competition and the need for stringent regulations within the CFL. His advocacy outlined the pressures athletes face and the critical need for support systems to uphold ethical standards in sports.

An evening of football, food and reflection

This year’s lecture, titled Reflecting on the Future of Football in Canada, will explore the evolution of the sport and its significance in Canadian athletics. The evening kicks off with a pre-talk tailgate at 5:00 p.m., offering attendees a selection of burgers, veggie burgers, smokies, beer, punch, and popcorn. The main event begins at 6:30 p.m., with Coach Dobie sharing his insights, followed by a post-event reception with light refreshments.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
• Location: Robert B. Schultz Lecture Theatre, University of Manitoba, 91 Ralph Campbell Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M5
• Parking: Free parking available in the Q Lot

Attendees are required to RSVP in advanced to secure their spot at this highly anticipated event. 

For further details or questions, please reach out to the Dean of Studies at St John’s College, sarah.teetzel@umanitoba.ca

After 27 years as an assistant coach, Pierre was the chosen successor to Brian Dobie, who retired at the end of the 2024 season after 29 years at the helm. He beat out three other finalists for the job.

A Canada West conference All-Star as a linebacker with the Bisons in 1991, Pierre returned to coach the position in 1998. He was promoted to defensive co-ordinator after one season and added the assistant head coach tag in 2005.

To read the entire story, please follow the link with the Winnipeg Free Press. 

To watch the entire conversation, please visit CTV Morning Live Winnipeg.