The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have extended general manager Winnipeg Blue Bombers contract for another two years.
Walters had stated that he and the Bombers would be unable to reach an agreement before the 2023 season, but decided not to discuss it further until Winnipeg had completed its season.
“When it became clear that nothing would be resolved before the season, there was no point in worrying or talking about it,” he told the media on Nov. 15, adding that his desire was to remain in Winnipeg.
Walters joined the Blue Bombers in 2010 as special teams coordinator, a position he held until 2012. However, as general manager, Walters has played a significant role in transforming Winnipeg into a perennial CFL powerhouse.
In 2013, he was named temporary general manager before being named permanent the following year.
The Blue Bombers’ general manager intends to re-sign with the team.
Walters was a defensive back for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for seven seasons, winning the Grey Cup in 1999.
After retiring, Walters returned to his former university, Guelph, as defensive co-ordinator from 2004 to 2005, then becoming head coach from 2006 to 2009.
He has been essential in keeping Winnipeg’s core together, which is a difficult feat in the free agency era. Since 2014, Winnipeg has compiled a 98-72 regular-season record, including double-digit victories and two Grey Cup victories.
Winnipeg has won the Grey Cup four years in a row, defeating Hamilton in 2019 and 2021 before falling to Toronto in 2022 and Montreal earlier this month. The epidemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 season.
Danny McManus, assistant general manager and director of U.S. scouting, and Ted Goveia, senior assistant general manager and director of player personnel, will also remain with the team. In 2024, both will be in their tenth seasons with Winnipeg.
