Saskatchewan Roughriders' Corey Mace Wins Annis Stukus Trophy as CFL's Top Coach
Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace has been honored with the Annis Stukus Trophy, recognizing him as the Canadian Football League's outstanding coach. The announcement, made on March 26, 2026, places Mace among an elite group of Saskatchewan coaches who have received this prestigious award.
Continuing a Colorful CFL Tradition
The Annis Stukus Trophy carries with it a rich tradition linked to one of Canadian football's most memorable personalities. Known affectionately as "Stuke" and the "Loquacious Lithuanian," Annis Stukus was a multi-faceted figure in Canadian sports history. A former player, coach, and working journalist, Stukus even wrote first-hand newspaper accounts about playing for the 1937-38 Grey Cup-winning Toronto Argonauts.
Stukus, who passed away in 2006 at age 91, was renowned for his storytelling abilities and his eagerness to promote Canadian football wherever and whenever possible. He personally presented the coach-of-the-year trophy at mid-winter banquets in Edmonton during his lifetime, establishing a tradition that continues to honor coaches who embody his spirit of enthusiasm and dedication to the sport.
Mace's Connection to Stuke's Legacy
When presented with a description of Stukus's personality and contributions to Canadian football, Mace acknowledged the similarities between their approaches to the game and community engagement.
"I'd be sitting here lying, saying I know the ins and outs of him," said Mace after learning about the Hall of Famer. "But you know, even understanding how you just described him, as you were saying that, I said, 'Oh, that sounds kind of familiar.'"
Indeed, Mace has demonstrated Stuke's trademark goodwill throughout his two seasons with the Roughriders, making personal appearances across Saskatchewan to promote his team and connect with fans. His efforts have strengthened the team's province-wide support, which has grown even more enthusiastic following Saskatchewan's 2025 Grey Cup victory in November.
Community Engagement and Grey Cup Celebrations
Mace has embraced his role as a community ambassador for the Roughriders, appearing at various events including schools, Agribition exhibitions, minor hockey games, and even visiting Angie Reed, widow of legendary Riders fullback George Reed. During these appearances, he has often brought along the Grey Cup trophy, sharing the championship experience with fans across the province.
"The Grey Cup has been all over," Mace explained. "I think, all four corners of Saskatchewan. I had it for a small-town pub crawl for all the Riders bars and took it around to some people who I thought needed to see it. That's always the fun part of it, when you do have the opportunity to do that for others."
Joining an Elite Group of Saskatchewan Coaches
Mace becomes the eighth Roughriders coach to receive the Annis Stukus Trophy and the third to win the award immediately following a Grey Cup victory. He joins Corey Chamblin (2013), Kent Austin (2007), and John Gregory (1989) in this distinguished category. Other Saskatchewan coaches who have won the award include:
- Chris Jones (2018)
- Joe Faragalli (1981)
- Eagle Keys (1968)
- Steve Owen (1962)
Notably, Keys won the award two years after the Roughriders' 1966 Grey Cup victory, while Owen was the second recipient of the trophy, which was originally donated by the Edmonton Eskimos Alumni Association.
Modest Approach to Success
True to his character, Mace consistently deflects personal credit for his team's achievements. When asked before the award announcement what winning the Annis Stukus Trophy would mean to him, his response was characteristically humble, reflecting his team-first mentality.
Under Mace's leadership, the Roughriders compiled a 21-14-1 regular-season record and a 3-1 postseason mark, culminating in their 25-17 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in the 2025 Grey Cup championship game. Despite these impressive statistics and the championship victory, Mace remains focused on team success rather than individual accolades.
The award recognizes not only Mace's coaching acumen but also his embodiment of the community spirit and enthusiasm that Annis Stukus championed throughout his career. As Mace continues to build on Saskatchewan's football tradition, his connection to Stuke's legacy adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Canadian football history.
