Stan Pierre named head coach of the Manitoba Bisons football program

A familiar face with deep ties to the Bisons is set to replace a legend at the helm of the University of Manitoba's football program.

Stan Pierre bleeds Brown and Gold, and after 27 years on Brian Dobie's staff he was tapped Friday to take over the program Dobie ran for the last 29 years in Winnipeg.

Pierre, one of four finalists for the head coaching position, admitted the past couple of months were quite the whirlwind, filled with hope and anxiety. But once he put his hat in the ring, his focus was directed at succeeding Dobie.

"I work in sports. I'm a competitive guy. If I decided I was going to put my name forward, I certainly was interested in winning the competition," he said Monday.

Pierre's ties to the University of Manitoba dates back to his time as a player. The former stalwart linebacker was named a Canada West conference all-star following the 1991 season.

He spent the 1998 campaign coaching linebackers before taking over as the team's defensive co-ordinator the following season. Pierre added the role of assistant head coach in 2005.

Now he has some big shoes to fill, but his predecessor isn't far from his mind.

"I couldn't have had a better working relationship with anybody than I had with Brian. So I look forward to just building on [his] successes," Pierre said.

"He's put this program in such a great spot from where he took over, so I'm kind of feeling more like I'm the steward of the program now. I'm a lifelong Bison. I take that responsibility seriously, and my heart is with this university and this team."

Dobie led the Bisons to three Canada West titles and a pair of trips to the national championship game. Manitoba lost 42-16 to the St. Mary's Huskies in the 2001 Vanier Cup, but returned the favour six years later with a 28-14 victory to complete a perfect 12-0 season.

Manitoba went 7-1 last season — its best campaign since 2007 — before going one and done in the playoffs.

It's been 11 years since the Bisons last claimed Canada West supremacy, but if someone can return the program to the promised land of Canadian university football, Dobie says his former right-hand man can.

"There is no question that Stan is one of the best football coaches and minds in the country of Canada. I consider him to be one of the best friends that I've had in my life. When the chips have been down, he's been an incredible friend above all else," Dobie said in a Friday news release.

Pierre says the change in his title hasn't altered his mindset. He's still working to grow the football program, and more importantly impart wisdom on the players under his tutelage.

"The number one thing I get out of this job is to help mentor these young players and try to help them develop on the field and off the field to achieve their dreams," he said.

If there's one trait he wants to pass down to his players it's to have a strong work ethic.

"I'm very dedicated to doing the right things. I'm very dedicated and working as hard as I need to. I'm mostly motivated by fear of failure," Pierre said.

"As long as the players see that I'm here working as hard as I can to make them better, then hopefully they appreciate that and that motivates them to do the same."

LISTEN | Stan Pierre hired to replace Manitoba Bisons coaching legend:

Up To Speed5:53Manitoba Bisons announce new football head coach

University of Manitoba Bisons football veteran Stan Pierre has been announced as the new head coach for the team. He spoke with CBC's Faith Fundal following the announcement.

He's helped 23 players graduate to the Canadian Football League since joining his alma mater's coaching staff, as well as two others reach the National Football League — defensive linemen Israel Idonije and David Onyemata, the latter of which currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons.

Pierre says he received countless messages from past players since the news of his taking over for Dobie became official, and is grateful for the support.

But the best support is from his family. His wife, who also works at the university, and his daughter, also spend lots of time hanging around the U of M Bisons football program

"Sometimes it's a lot of long hours and you're here a long time," Pierre said pointing to family pictures on his desk.

"So it's nice to have reminders of what your life is outside of football."