New Leadership for Struggling Franchise
The Ottawa Redblacks have turned to proven CFL veteran Mike Morreale to steer their struggling franchise back toward competitiveness. The club announced Tuesday that Morreale, a former slotback and two-time Grey Cup champion, has been named president of football operations and business affairs.
“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity, and I understand the responsibility that comes with it,” Morreale said in a statement. “This is about more than building a team that can win. It’s about building an organisation that can compete for championships and give people in Ottawa a reason to feel connected to and proud of the Redblacks.”
Morreale inherits a team that has won just one of its 17 regular-season games this year. The Redblacks conclude their 2025 campaign Saturday afternoon against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-12).
Broad Mandate Includes Football and Business Operations
The 55-year-old Morreale faces a comprehensive rebuild both on and off the field. He will lead a full review of football operations, establish Ottawa’s permanent leadership structure, and oversee player identification, recruitment and development strategies. Additionally, he will craft a long-term football and business plan to guide the organisation’s future direction.
“Our fans have every right to expect much more from the Redblacks than we have delivered,” said Mark Goudie, president and CEO of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. “Mike has two clear jobs: Build a football organisation capable of competing for championships and reconnect this team with Ottawa.”
“When this club was at its best, this city felt part of it. We need to earn that back,” Goudie added.
Proven Track Record in CFL and Beyond
Morreale brings extensive experience from his 12-year CFL playing career (1995-2006) with the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, during which he captured Grey Cup victories in 1996 and 1999. A Hamilton native, he was named the league’s top Canadian in 1998 and received the Tom Pate Memorial Award in 2000 for his community service and contributions to the CFL Players’ Association.
Over his career, Morreale recorded 509 receptions for 6,649 yards and 24 touchdowns across 216 regular-season games. Following his playing days, he served as the CFLPA’s marketing director (2007-12) and president (2012-14), bringing valuable league-wide perspective to his new role.
Morreale also demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen as co-founder and inaugural commissioner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2017, stepping down from that position in October 2025.
Support Structure Already in Place
Morreale will work alongside existing leadership including Jim Popp, who joined the organisation in August as senior football adviser, and Ryan Dinwiddie, who is completing his first season as head coach and general manager while also serving as offensive coordinator.
The incoming president emphasized his commitment to making difficult decisions necessary to build a sustainable winner. “My focus will be on making the decisions needed to build that kind of organisation that leads to success on and off the field,” Morreale stated.
Why it Matters
Morreale’s appointment represents a critical turning point for a franchise that has struggled to find its identity since joining the CFL in 2017. His dual expertise in football operations and business management, combined with his deep connections throughout the CFL community, positions the Redblacks to address their fundamental challenges. Success in Ottawa is vital not just for the team, but for the CFL’s broader efforts to establish a strong foothold in Canada’s National Capital Region. With Morreale’s proven leadership track record and the organisation’s commitment to comprehensive change, there’s renewed optimism that the Redblacks can restore credibility and connection with their fanbase.
