STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats' slotback Mike Morreale holds the trophy after winning the CFL's Tom Pate Memorial Award for community service at the league's awards ceremony in Calgary, Friday, Nov.24, 2000. Canadian Elite Basketball League CEO Mike Morreale says he's brimming with the nervous energy he used to feel before playing a big game. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
By The Canadian Press

Ottawa Redblacks hire former CFL player Mike Morreale as their new president

Oct 20, 2026 | 10:28 AM

OTTAWA — Mike Morreale is back in the CFL.

The Ottawa Redblacks named Morreale, a former CFL slotback, as their new president Tuesday.

“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity, and I understand the responsibility that comes with it,” said Morreale. “This is about more than building a team that can win.

“It’s about building an organization that can compete for championships and give people in Ottawa a reason to feel connected to and proud of the Redblacks. I know there is work ahead, and my focus will be on making the decisions needed to build that kind of organization that leads to success on and off the field.”

Morreale joins a franchise that’s won just one of its 17 regular-season games. Ottawa will conclude its 2026 campaign Saturday afternoon visiting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-12).

Morreale will lead a review of football operations and establish Ottawa’s permanent football leadership structure. Jim Popp, a former CFL general manager, joined the Redblacks in August as a senior football adviser.

Ryan Dinwiddie is completing his first season as Ottawa’s head coach and GM. Dinwiddie is also serving as the club’s offensive co-ordinator.

Morreale will also be tasked with helping Ottawa strengthen its approach to identifying, recruiting and developing players. He will also lead the development of a longer-term football and business plan to guide the club’s priorities and establish a clear path forward.

“Our fans have every right to expect much more from the Redblacks than we have delivered,” said Mark Goudie, the president/CEO of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. “Mike has two clear jobs: build a football organization capable of competing for championships and reconnect this team with Ottawa.

“When this club was at its best, this city felt part of it. We need to earn that back.”

Morreale, 55, of Hamilton, played 12 CFL seasons with the Toronto Argonauts (1995-96, 2002-03) and Tiger-Cats (1997-2001, 2004-06), winning two Grey Cups (1996, ’99). Morreale was the league’s top Canadian in 1998 and received the Tom Pate Memorial Award two years later for outstanding contributions to his team, community and the CFL Players’ Association.

Morreale registered 509 career catches for 6,649 yards and 24 touchdowns in 216 regular-season games.

He later served with the CFLPA as its marketing director (2007-12) and president (2012-14).

Morreale co-founded the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2017 and served as its inaugural commissioner. He left that post in October 2025.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press