“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

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.

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

The University of Manitoba football coach gained an understanding that everyone faces challenges, and people deserve a chance to reach their full potential.

Dobie has shown that to his players throughout his 29-year career as head coach of the Bisons, which is ending with the 71-year-old’s retirement after this season.

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

On Monday, the university announced Brian Dobie will be retiring at the end of the season following 50 years of coaching football in Winnipeg.

“I do not want to leave this team and this football program. I do not want to leave, but I want to retire,” Dobie said in an interview with CTV News Winnipeg. “I feel though, it’s time for somebody else to have this incredible opportunity that I’ve had. It’s time to pass it one.

To read the full story, please visit CTV Winnipeg.