Redblacks fire head coach after three wins in 14 games this season

Ottawa Redblacks head coach Paul LaPolice watches from the sideline during the second half of a CFL football game against the B.C. Lions in Vancouver, on Friday, September 30, 2022. (Darryl Dyck/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The Ottawa Redblacks have fired head coach Paul LaPolice.

The Redblacks announced that LaPolice has been relieved of his duties hours after the club returned from Vancouver following a 34-19 loss to the BC Lions.

The Redblacks have three wins in 14 games this season, sitting in last place in the East Division. LaPolice had a record of six wins and 22 losses in 28 games as head coach with the club.

"I have enjoyed working with Paul and thank him for his contributions to this team over the past two seasons; today isn’t an easy day,” Redblacks general manager Shawn Burke said in a statement. “In this business, sometimes a change is required to help move a team forward and that’s what we’ve done here."

In a statement on Twitter, LaPolice said while he disappointed, he understands that "coaches are fired."

"I am accountable for our record and we have not won enough games this season," LaPolice said. "I want to thank Roger Greenberg and the rest of the ownership group, as well as Mark Goudie and Adrian Sciarra."

LaPolice said Burke has been an "outstanding supportive general manager who always look to find solutions and it was a pleasure to work with him."

"I cannot thank enough the players, coaches, and staff that I had the honour and privilege to work with the past few years."

LaPolice was hired as head coach in December 2019,. After the 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LaPolice guided the club to three wins in 2021 and three wins this season.

“Paul is a excellent man who has put everything he has into this job.  But, unfortunately, we haven’t won nearly enough games,” said OSEG CEO Mark Goudie. “We are committed to getting back to what RNation deserves which is exciting and winning football.”

LaPolice said he will now spend some time with his family.

"I have loved my time with the people of this football team, I loved my time interacting with the people of Ottawa and I will now love to spend some much needed time with the family," LaPolice said.

Special teams coach Bob Dyce will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season.

The Redblacks next game is Thanksgiving Monday in Montreal to face the Alouettes.