Hufnagel Named 2008 CFL Coach of the Year

Hufnagel Named 2008 CFL Coach of the Year
Hamilton, ON - (March 3, 2009) - Calgary Stampeder head coach John Hufnagel was named the 2008 CFL Coach of the Year this afternoon at the CFL Congress in Hamilton, Ontario.

Hufnagel was presented the Annis Stukus trophy by CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. The trophy is awarded annually to the league's best coach as voted by the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC).

"Our coaches are all tremendous teachers, motivators, mentors and leaders, and no coach epitomizes this more than John Hufnagel," said Cohon. "On behalf of the Board of Governors, and fans from across the country, congratulations to John Hufnagel, a well-deserving recipient of this coaching honour."

In his inaugural season as head coach, Hufnagel led the Calgary Stampeders to first place in the West Division for the first time since 2000, posting a 13-5 regular season record, tops in the CFL. Their success continued into the playoffs as the Stamps defeated the BC Lions in the West Final, before claiming the ultimate prize: a 22-14 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup.

Hufnagel's leadership was best displayed during a pre-game speech to his team before taking the field, and eventually winning the 96th Grey Cup. Click here to watch the video or visit CFL.ca.