In what promises to be one of the most compelling storylines of the CFL postseason, two former teammates turned rival coaches are set to clash when the Calgary Stampeders host the BC Lions in Saturday's Western Semi-Final.
The matchup pits Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson against Lions defensive coordinator DeVone Claybrooks, whose football journeys have been intertwined since their playing days as teammates in Calgary from 2005 to 2009.
From Shared Locker Room to Opposite Sidelines
Their relationship dates back nearly two decades when both were key contributors to the Stampeders' 2008 Grey Cup championship team. Dickenson served as quarterback and backup to Henry Burris, while Claybrooks anchored the defensive line as a formidable lineman.
"We were teammates and we've stayed in touch over the years," Dickenson revealed during media availability. "I consider him a friend, but certainly this week we're competitors."
Coaching Trajectories Collide
Both men transitioned seamlessly into coaching careers after their playing days ended. Dickenson climbed the ranks within the Stampeders organization, eventually taking over as head coach in 2016 and leading the team to a Grey Cup victory in 2018.
Claybrooks embarked on his own coaching journey, spending five seasons on Calgary's staff before becoming head coach of the BC Lions in 2019. After two seasons at the helm, he transitioned to his current role as defensive coordinator, where he has engineered one of the league's most formidable defenses.
Strategic Minds Prepare for Battle
The chess match between these two football intellects adds an intriguing layer to Saturday's contest. Dickenson's offensive genius will be tested against Claybrooks' defensive schemes in what promises to be a tactical masterpiece.
"He knows me, I know him," Dickenson acknowledged. "There will be some gamesmanship involved for sure."
The stakes couldn't be higher as both coaches understand their seasons hang in the balance. For Dickenson, it's about maintaining Calgary's playoff dominance at McMahon Stadium. For Claybrooks, it's an opportunity to outsmart his former teammate and continue BC's impressive turnaround season.
A Friendship Tested by Playoff Pressure
While their professional respect remains mutual, both coaches understand that friendship takes a backseat during playoff football. The winner advances to the Western Final, while the loser faces a long offseason of reflection.
As Dickenson succinctly put it: "We both want to win, and only one of us can."
This coaching showdown represents everything that makes playoff football compelling - history, relationships, and the relentless pursuit of championship glory.
