Ottawa football history got a nod this week as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced the hiring of Lee Hull as an assistant coach — a move that brings a wave of nostalgia for fans who remember Hull's playing days wearing the Ottawa Rough Riders colours.
Hull, a wide receiver who made his mark in the CFL during the late 1980s and early 1990s, was a fan favourite in the nation's capital before the Rough Riders folded in 1996. His speed, sure hands, and big-play ability made him one of the more exciting offensive weapons in the league during his era — and Ottawa fans cheered him on through some of the franchise's final glory years.
A CFL Career That Touched Ottawa
For a generation of Ottawa football supporters, Hull is one of those names that instantly conjures memories of Friday nights at Lansdowne Park, back when the Rough Riders were still a fixture of the city's sporting identity. His transition into coaching has been a quiet but steady journey through the professional and semi-professional ranks, and the Bombers' decision to bring him aboard suggests his football acumen has translated well to the sideline.
Winnipeg, one of the CFL's most consistently competitive franchises in recent years, has built a reputation for smart roster and staff decisions. Adding Hull to their coaching group signals a continued investment in developing offensive talent — something the Ottawa REDBLACKS will have to keep an eye on as they prepare for the 2026 season.
What This Means for the RedBlacks
The REDBLACKS, who have been working to rebuild their identity under their current coaching and management structure, will face a Bombers squad that just got a little more experienced on the coaching staff. Winnipeg remains one of the toughest East-to-West matchups in the CFL, and any upgrade to their offensive coaching depth is worth noting.
For Ottawa, the move is a reminder of how deep the city's CFL roots run — even when the talent flows toward other franchises. The REDBLACKS have their own work to do this offseason, and watching how Hull contributes to Winnipeg's offensive development could offer useful lessons.
Ottawa's Football Future
The REDBLACKS continue to be the beating heart of Ottawa football, carrying forward a legacy that stretches back through the Rough Riders era that Hull himself was part of. As the 2026 CFL season approaches, fans at TD Place will be hoping their squad can match the organizational depth that teams like Winnipeg consistently demonstrate.
For now, Lee Hull's new role is a feel-good story for anyone who followed Ottawa football in its earlier chapter — a reminder that the city has produced and shaped players who go on to influence the game long after their playing days are done.
Source: 3DownNation via Google News RedBlacks RSS feed
