Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds shares thoughts on Riders’ Grey Cup triumph

Craig Reynolds Reflects on First Grey Cup as Riders’ President and CEO

After ten years as president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Craig Reynolds finally celebrated a Grey Cup championship as the team’s leader.

“That was a moment you see on TV. It really was special to have my kids there and I couldn’t find them at first. I finally found them and was able to hug them and say, ‘we did it,’” Reynolds said in a recent year-end interview with CBC.
“It’s just a very special moment I’ll remember the rest of my life.”

Since being appointed in late 2014, Reynolds had seen the Roughriders come close to glory, reaching the West Division Finals multiple times only to fall short against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2019, 2021, and 2024.

“We played in four of the last six West Finals and just could not get over the hump and actually get into that game,” Reynolds said. “So to be able to get into the game and then be successful was just an incredible moment.”

He also reflected on the joy the victory brought to the organization as a whole, including staff members who had never experienced a Grey Cup win, and noted how special it was to witness their celebrations both on the field and afterward. The triumph was particularly sweet after the team endured back-to-back 6-12 seasons in 2022 and 2023.

Reynolds said the parade and rally at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building left a lasting impression on him.

Off-field Wins

While the Grey Cup was the highlight of 2025, Reynolds also emphasized the importance of key decisions off the field. Midway through the season, the team extended contracts for head coach Corey Mace and general manager Jeremy O’Day, moves he ranks among the franchise’s top accomplishments of the year.

Mace, in just his second year as head coach, guided the Roughriders to the Grey Cup.

“I think the moment you meet Corey Mace, you kind of expect this kind of result. He’s just a special, special person,” Reynolds said. “He’s a special coach and he surrounds himself with great people and great coaches as well.”

Reynolds praised Mace’s dedication to Saskatchewan and the team’s fan base.

“Corey is so committed here. He loves this province, he loves this team, he loves our fan base,” Reynolds said.

The victory not only marked a milestone on the field but also underscored the importance of strong leadership and stability within the organization, setting the stage for continued success in the future.