York University Athletics & Recreation today announced the hiring of former Grey Cup champion and longtime U SPORTS coach Rick Walters as the Lions football program's offensive coordinator.

Walters comes to York after serving much of the last two decades in the same capacity with the Alberta Golden Bears of Canada West. He first joined the Bears in 2005 as receivers coach and passing game, before being promoted to offensive coordinator the following season. He then spent the 2007-2009 seasons as the offensive coordinator at his alma mater, Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School in Edmonton

Walters assumed the role of offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at Alberta two other times, from 2013-2015 and 2019-2023. Over the last four seasons under Walters' guidance, the Golden Bears have been in the top half in the country in total offence. The last two years, in particular, saw an uptick in the Bears offensive output. Last season, they were third in the country in rush yards per game with 227.5, led by Canada West Player of the year and Hec Crighton Trophy runner-up Matthew Peterson. Contrastingly, the Bears relied more on the passing game in 2022, winding up third in the nation in pass yards per game with 295.9, when quarterback Eli Hetlinger was third in U SPORTS with 279.2 yards a game.

In between his stints at Alberta, Walters spent time with the Edmonton Huskies of the Prairie Football Conference, a segment of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). He was the head coach from 2010-2012 and, later, the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator and receivers coach from 2016-2018.

Lions head coach Dexter Janke says Walters' extensive experience building dynamic and unique offences, as well as his proven ability to cultivate a positive culture among his players will be a welcome addition to the program.

"Rick is one of the most well-rounded coaching candidates in the country. A proven community and program builder, his extensive experience with program development strategies will have an immediate impact on our program," he said. "Rick has helped orchestrate some of the most creative and versatile offensive units in the country during his time with the University of Alberta, producing multiple Hec Creighton (Trophy) candidates.

"I am most excited about Rick's passion and commitment to developing young community leaders," Janke added. "I look forward to working with Rick and our entire coaching staff to provide a transformative student athlete experience on and off the field."

Born in Mandeville, Jamaica, Walters moved to Toronto at the age of seven before settling in Edmonton. He spent for years playing university football at Simon Fraser, then a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in the United States. Walters began his professional career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, signing as an undrafted free agent in 1994. He spent five years with Saskatchewan before being signed by Edmonton in 1999, where he played five seasons with his hometown club. 

While in Edmonton, he won the Tom Pate Memorial Award in 2001. The award is presented by the CFL Players Association to the player who exhibits outstanding sportsmanship while making significant contributions to his team, community and the player's union. He then won his lone Grey Cup in 2003, when Edmonton beat the Montreal Alouettes. 

Walters' final season saw him suit up for Edmonton's Alberta rivals, the Calgary Stampeders, in 2004. For his career, he had 221 receptions for 2,629 yards and nine touchdowns, including a career-high three in 2000.

Walters' appointment to the Lions staff continues their Alberta connections. Walters, an Edmonton native joins a fellow native of the Alberta capital in Janke. Additionally, Walters and new York defensive coordinator Greg Knox renew acquaintances after coaching together with the 2019 Golden Bears.

Walters officially assumed his new role on June 3.