Ryan Dinwiddie


Ryan Dinwiddie is an American former professional Canadian football quarterback who is currently the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts. After playing college football, he went undrafted and signed with the Chicago Bears, however he was cut from their training camp. Dinwiddie later went on to play professionally for the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe, and also played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

College career

Dinwiddie graduated from Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, California. He was three-year starter at Boise State from 2001 to 2003, and one of the most prolific passers in college football history. In 2003, he passed for 4,031 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions. Dinwiddie's record NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for career passing efficiency with a mark of 168.9 was broken in 2007 by Colt Brennan's career 169.25.
Dinwiddie is considered, by some, to be the greatest quarterback in the history of Boise State football. His leadership and on-field performance was one of the reasons for the continued success of Boise State football during his tenure.

Professional career

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

After an injury to Winnipeg Blue Bombers starting quarterback Kevin Glenn in the 4th quarter of the CFL East Division Final on November 18, 2007, Ryan was pressed into action. He made his first CFL start for the Blue Bombers against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 2007 Grey Cup, won by Saskatchewan 23 to 19. Dinwiddie gave up 3 interceptions to James Johnson.
Making just his second career CFL start on July 24, 2008, Dinwiddie moved the ball, avoided sacks and kept plays alive. He finished 24 of 39 for 450 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. Dinwiddie also ran for 26 yards on six carries to lead the Blue Bombers to their first win of the season.
Dinwiddie's success was short lived with the Blue Bombers, however. During his 3 years as a backup in Winnipeg, his career CFL statistics are 58.2% completion percentage, for 1,581 yards, 6 Touchdowns and 9 Interceptions, for a Passer Rating of 73.8. He also rushed the ball 23 times for 112 yards, 1 Touchdown, and 2 Fumbles.
Dinwiddie was released at the beginning of the Blue Bombers 2009 training camp.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

On May 26, 2010 it was announced that Dinwiddie had signed a contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. After serving as the back-up to Darian Durant for two years, Dinwiddie was released on January 19, 2012. He retired as a player shortly thereafter.

Coaching career

On February 19, 2013, it was announced that Dinwiddie was joining the coaching staff of the Montreal Alouettes newly hired head coach, Dan Hawkins, as the offensive quality control coach.
On December 8, 2015, Dinwiddie was hired by the Calgary Stampeders as the team's QB coach. Under Dinwiddie, Bo Levi Mitchell won CFL Most Outstanding Player twice as the Stampeders reached the Grey Cup in three consecutive years, including winning in 2018.
On December 12, 2019, Dinwiddie was named the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts, the 45th in team history.