By: Tyler Rabb – OttawaREDBLACKS.com Staff
Photo: CP Images
Most athletes can only dream of a successful playing career with only one team. For Bryan Chiu, it was a dream come true.
Chiu amassed a CFL career that was full of impressive achievements and awards, all of which were accomplished with the Montreal Alouettes. The Vancouver native was drafted 18th overall in the 2nd round of the 1996 CFL Draft and stayed with the Al’s until his retirement during their 2010 training camp.
From his very first camp, the offensive lineman seemed like a perfect fit. His work ethic, out-going attitude and willingness to learn put him on the fast-track to a leadership role with Montreal. He became a CFL All-Star in 2000 and continued to receive that recognition for seven straight seasons.
Bryan also won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Lineman Award in 2002. That year, he and former Alouettes starting quarterback Anthony Calvillo led Montreal to victory in the 90th Grey Cup in Edmonton. The Eskimos were hosting the championship game and therefore were heavy hometown favorites. The Alouettes overcame the odds and beat them 25-16.
Chiu and the Alouettes continued their CFL dominance throughout the 2000’s. With the leadership of Chiu, the rock-steady Alouettes offensive line helped Calvillo carve through CFL defenses. They advanced to five of the next seven Grey Cup finals. In Chiu’s last game as a player, the Alouettes won the 2009 Grey Cup. Montreal lined up against the surging Saskatchewan Roughriders in Calgary and came out as champions.
With two Cup rings on his fingers, Chiu figured he might be done and shortly after the start of camp in 2010, he made it official and announced his retirement ending a 13-year career at 35 years of age. “You never know if it’s the right decision,” he professed, “but I look at my kids and realize I need a good quality of life. It’s time to stop thinking of myself and start a new chapter.”
And that’s exactly what he did.
Chiu was determined to continue his career within the sport and try to balance his family life as well. He knew he wanted to coach but he didn’t have any experience. Bryan caught-on with the Concordia University Stingers for four seasons as their offensive line coach and then an O-Line coaching opportunity became available with the Toronto Argonauts. He got it, spent the 2014 season with the Argonauts and then followed current REDBLACKS Offensive Coordinator Jason Maas to Ottawa to join Rick Campbell’s staff.
Chiu was introduced as the REDBLACKS offensive line coach last December. “Bryan understands the CFL and specifically offensive line play in the CFL,” said Head Coach Campbell. “He’s also familiar with our new offensive coordinator Jason Maas after coaching together last year in Toronto so we think that relationship will continue to build and help us be successful. Bryan is up and coming with a long successful career as a player and a promising career as a coach in the CFL.”
That’s where the dream continues for Chiu today. As the REDBLACKS offensive line coach, he’s educating and inspiring athletes living the same dream he once had.
You can check out Coach Bryan Chiu and the REDBLACKS new offense at the home opener on July 4th by purchasing a REDBLACKS Home Opener Ticket Pack at capitaltickets.ca or by calling 613-232-6767.
