Blake Nill was appointed the fifth Head Coach in Dinos history on Feb. 23, 2006.
An former student at the University of Calgary, Blake played football for the Dinos from 1980 through 1982 before turning professional with Montreal in 1983 after being selected 19th overall in the CFL draft. He played in the CFL from 1983-88 with Montreal, Hamilton and Winnipeg.
A native of Hanna, Alta., Blake joined the Dinos after coaching at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, N.S. While coaching the Saint Mary’s Huskies he posted a regular season record of 49 wins and 15 losses (77%) and post-season record of 12 wins and five losses (71%). During that time the Huskies were Vanier Cup Champions in 2001 and 2002 and were finalists on two other occasions. He coached the Huskies to a record six consecutive Atlantic University Sport Championships (1999-2004), a feat he has matched with the Dinos in their current run of six straight Canada West titles (2008-13) - an unprecedented feat in the conference.
Nill won the Frank Tindall Trophy as Canadian Interuniversity Sport Coach of the Year in 1999 and was a finalist in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2012, and 2013. He has been named Canada West coach of the year on three occasions: 2009, 2012, and 2013 - a reflection of the outstanding coaching staff he has assembled at the University of Calgary.
He is actively involved in the Canadian University Football Coaches Association (CUFCA), serving as President for several seasons. Blake was instrumental in the implementation of the interlocking schedule between the AUS and the Quebec Conference.
Nill started his coaching career in August 1992 as the Defensive Coordinator for St. Francis Xavier, a position he held until joining Saint Mary’s in February 1998. From April 1990 through July 1992 Nill served as a youth care worker in Montreal and Calgary, with the Shawbridge Youth Centre and the Alberta Solicitor General, respectively.
Nill took undergraduate courses at the University of Calgary in both Physical Education and Economics graduating with Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University in 1989. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Education. In addition, Blake has attained his Level III National Coaching Certification (NCCP).
Blake served as a guest coach with the Calgary Stampeders in 1997 and 1998, the Ottawa Renegades in 2002 and 2003, and the Edmonton Eskimos in 2007. In addition he served as a member of the coaching staff for the Canadian Under-19 team at the Global World Football Challenge held in conjunction with Super Bowl XLI in Florida in January 2007 and coached the linebackers for Team Canada’s entry at the IFAF World Junior Football Championships in Canton, Ohio in July 2009.
Blake Nill's All-Time Coaching Record
*Vanier Cup Champion
|
Season
|
School
|
Conference Record
|
Playoff Record
|
| 1998 |
Saint Mary's |
4-4 |
2-1 |
| 1999 |
Saint Mary's |
7-1 |
2-1 |
| 2000 |
Saint Mary's |
8-0 |
1-1 |
| 2001 |
Saint Mary's |
8-0 |
3-0* |
| 2002 |
Saint Mary's |
6-2 |
3-0* |
| 2003 |
Saint Mary's |
7-1 |
2-1 |
| 2004 |
Saint Mary's |
5-3 |
1-1 |
| 2005 |
Saint Mary's |
4-4 |
0-1 |
| 2006 |
Calgary |
2-6 |
-- |
| 2007 |
Calgary |
4-4 |
0-1 |
| 2008 |
Calgary |
5-3 |
2-1 |
| 2009 |
Calgary |
7-1 |
3-1 |
| 2010 |
Calgary |
6-2 |
3-1 |
| 2011 |
Calgary |
8-0^ |
2-1 |
| 2012 |
Calgary |
7-1 |
2-1 |
| 2013 |
Calgary |
8-0 |
3-1 |
|
TOTAL
(Career)
|
|
96-32
(.750)
|
27-12
(.692)
|
TOTAL
(Dinos only) |
|
47-17
(.734) |
15-7
(.682) |
^2011: the Dinos finished the season 7-1 but were awarded the 8-0 record when UBC was found to have played an ineligible player.
All-Time UC Football Coaches
Dennis Kadatz (1964-68)
Mike Lashuk (1969-76, 1978-82)
Peter Connellan (1977, 1983-95)
Tony Fasano (1996-2005)
Blake Nill (2006-present)
