Barn Burner: Boomer & Pinder with Rhett Warrener - Corey Mace (FULL INTERVIEW)

Episode Date: November 29, 2025

Boomer, Pinder & Rhett are joined by Grey Cup champion and Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace! Corey walks the boys through the journey to the Grey Cup, the emotions of the game, the moments that defined it, and what it means to finally lift that trophy. An awesome chat with one of the CFL’s best leaders.VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/6sBF6AOpJK4#nhl #nhlshorts #nhlplayoffs #nhlpredictions #nhlhockey #nhlpicks #stanleycup #stanleycupfinal #saskatchewan #cfl #cflgameday CHECK OUT OUR STUFF ⬇️BARN BURNER MERCHhttps://nationgear.ca/collections/shirts/FlamesnationBARN BURNER SHORTS https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_bcGtvvo-cW2DHEDZ6dEO5ePDmlhZc9&si=jo8iNGxT4ImhS2Y8📲 Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fnbarnburner/X (Twitter): https://x.com/barnburnerfn?lang=en🎧 Listen on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/barn-burner-boomer-pinder-with-rhett-warrener/id1648562889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mc6Qd5U22R2zbMlQ7RxIiProducer: Jack Haverstock Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, it's a football day, so I figured why don't we bring in... He's a Canadian, but he's American. He played the NFL, but he played the NFL. Chargers, bills, stamps, riders. Marshawn Lynch loves this guy, an entire province. The hell doesn't, yes. Is he the premier yet? How does that work? You don't want that job.

This is better than all of it. Yeah, that's true. Everyone loves this guy. You got to go to those fru-fru meetings and harumph, harumph and sit around. This guy gets to wear a green hood. and drink free beer for the rest of his life. He'll never pay for a beer again. It's incredible.

The head coach of the Grey Cup champion, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Corey Mace. Macer, how are we doing, bud? Yeah, I got to tell you, I'm sick. Oh, well, yeah. Sick of winning? When you're going on a three-week bender, it'll take a lot out of a guy. I stopped drinking.

I stopped boozing about two days ago. My body just got to get back on it. It's a good shift. I got some in the office, actually. You're not in the office. I am at the office. You coaches are the worst. Just set bad examples for all of us.

It's Thanksgiving, Macer. Get the... I was just talking to Mueller here. They celebrate... Well, he's kind of fat, so he celebrates both Thanksgiving, so they're doing KFC tonight and calling it a Thanksgiving celebration. So I might join. As you should.

As a guy should. Well, was it everything... it's kind of one of those goofy things but I just as you're getting down to the final buzzer it's like we did it there's got to be some relief there's excitement

what do you remember about those last few moments because you know you're kind of as a player you can lose your mind but as a coach you kind of play in a cool even though you're freaking bursting inside but walk us through as the final few seconds tick off the clock yeah well I mean in that situation you know you're as a coach

you're just you're always freaking dialed for any potential situation, especially them, right? They were down eight. They're going hell, Mary. So you're like, oh, my God, is this going to be like one of the football gods trying to screw you, you know? And then you're like, okay, we do this penalty free, you know, or else they're going to spot the ball in the one yard line.

And, you know, so you're just waiting for everything. But, you know, once, you know, you see players throwing their helmets in the air, there's no flags, you know, you just, you're happy. and then, yeah, man, that Gatorade shower came, and it was the best shower I've had in my life. That one shot that has taken kind of upwards at you with the orange coming over to. I mean, that's got to be above the mantle.

That's got to know how big you can get that thing blown up, but that is amazing. Did you, I mean, what everyone has, though, we're very confident. What were you thinking about the alouettes as you went in? Because obviously the quarterback in the other side, he hasn't lost as a start. but he's got a hamstring, but he's dangerous, and funny things happen, and you've been part of it,

either as a coach or a player, so funny shit goes down in gray cups, as we know over the years, even we've seen the riders that's happened. What was your day of game? What's your confidence level? What was your read on your guys as you got down to kickoff? Yeah, man, you know, a lot of us kind of just spoke about it this last week. It was eerie. I think we just understood, you know, we obviously respect the opponent.

and held her in a great cup and a good team. They were playing at a high clip going in. Dangerous quarterback. Guys never lost the game, really good players. But everybody was, I had a great sleep the night before. Usually, you know, my mind's running like crazy. The guys are saying the same thing. Like, we just kind of, I think, had an idea of this was meant to happen.

Like, we're about to go do what we got to do for ourselves. So I think we're just focused on ourselves rather than the opponent. too much, but, you know, obviously still respect the hell of them and what, what Jason does with that team. But I just didn't think on that day we were going to be denied what we worked for. And that's why I asked, because I kind of felt, I think we all kind of felt this was your game to lose. And it's not arrogance. But I wonder from your seat, because you feel, I feel good about where we are. I think our prep is good. We look good. Gosh, should I be more worried? Should we are, we're not taking what am I missing? We're not taking,

them lightly, are we? Like, I wonder how often you kind of reset and kind of try and dial, you know, take it back to zero and start over again? No, I think we're good. How many times you walk through that preparation? Yeah. Well, I think, you know, throughout every week, honestly, you know, you always get nervous and butterflies and stuff like that. And I think that's all encompassing of all those questions. But, you know, I just, I didn't think we need to be dialed. We had a great week of practice. The guys seemed loose the day before. You know, our night meeting before was excellent. The guys are just dialed and ready to play, man.

You know, we know what it can happen on any game day and you settle in within the moment. You know, can't get too high, can't get too low. You know, we had a good lead early. They forced their way back into the game. You just got to spot the ball the next play and get your job done, man. And that was awesome because all those things that show up in a championship game, you know, we breed those kind of moments and how we operate on the daily. So it doesn't change.

What are we doing talking about this game? You're in a province that idolizes this sport, this league, this team. What are the last week and a half been like? And what's the weirdest time someone asked you to crack a beer, weirdest place? Yeah, there's no such thing as a weird time for me to crack a beer. No, man, it was elation. I think a lot of the guys, too, whether they've won somewhere else in this league or, you know, I've seen different things from different teams.

There is nothing like winning in Saskatchewan. The parade was mental. Man, what a time. What a freaking time. Even went up to Saskatoon with the Cup a couple days after. And, you know, that's three hours away from Regina. And it didn't matter. You'd feel like you were just here, man.

It was awesome. So now I just, I can't wait. Guys have been going hard in the paint as they should. We got a rodeo tonight. We're going to attend. I'm getting a party bus and I'm hitting small town, Saskatchewan bars, man. And we're going to celebrate this thing with the province 40 years up. Yes, people might recognize you, huh?

Yeah. Tell me you haven't pulled your wallet up for 10 days. Do those people proud and tell us that. Yeah, man. They've been very kind to us. Very kind. You know, retro, obviously being from Saskatchewan, I just, you know, from being in Manitoba, but right on the border, I just, there was that long drought from, you know, when the, when the riders had won until, and it was, he's still heard about Kent Austin and Dave Ridgeway and all those guys. They were legends.

Does it kind of strike you that you're, you're one of those guys now? This, this, this win will be somebody's, that, that's the best win. That was our favorite win. That was people that, because it's been a little bit a little while, there'll be some teenagers that this, this is one. going to carry with them for the rest of their lives, that you were one of the driving forces behind that. Yeah, it's cool. I don't know if it's completely, you know, sunk into that level, man. But it's cool. I know what it means to this province, no doubt. But I think, and, you know, maybe retro can, he can stop me if I'm wrong. But personally, the way I view it is those, those winds are so special because there's so few far in between, right? What we're trying to do here is is make it a constant.

So hopefully this is just a, just step one of things that come for, for us moving forward. Yeah. It is weird. Like, it's an organization that's had a lot of success, but the great cups have been real tough. I think you had a 200 and something winning percentage in those championship games. Not that you were around for any of them,

but there had to be some nervous Nellies around there. And when you've been around for 100 years and you got four, that just doesn't feel right. It's, it's not one drought. It's like four massive trucks that I feel like they've had, isn't it? Yeah. And truth of that was like such a huge lure of coming here, man. It's, you know, I didn't even sit right with me when I really, you know,

peeled it back and I look. I'm like, there's no way. Like everybody around the league understands, like, how crazy the fan base is. And, you know, shit, look at, you know, you go somewhere else in the league and, you know, big cities, you know, if the team loses, hell, even if they win, nobody gives it damn. So, you know, you look at the history, it's like, okay, this team's fan base is incredible. Like, let me take a peek. How many championships?

And I was like, four. Nah, this shit don't make sense, man. They deserve more. So, yeah, very vocal about that when we came. And it was just, it was cool to see it wasn't lip service. The guys all, they understood the assignment. And yeah, man, we got to check off a goal for the 2025 season. And now, am I right in my chronologics?

You have another year on your contract and you were extended ahead of the final year. Is that right? Yeah, that's correct. You know, and not to necessarily tie it in, but we were talking here at Craig Conroy's in this last year and he didn't have a contract extension yet. I mean, you hadn't won yet. Things were good, but, you know, riders, maybe they're going to be a good football team. They could have waited until this offseason to see whether you win or whether you don't.

There's something about being treated the right way that I know you talk about family and all of that. That's a very family kind of a thing to do to extend you and some of the others there before it's, before it's you're a lame duck, so to speak. No doubt. And it was, it did, it came kind of as a shock, but I tell you, the conversation wasn't very long. Yeah. You know, my family and I, we love it here, man. Love the staff.

Love the team. And then working day and the day out with, you know, my bosses, our general manager, Jeremy O'Day, and our team president, Craig Reynolds. Like, man, we all see it the same. And what a place, man. Like, I truly enjoy working with most people. I mean, like I said, I keep bringing up Mueller. He's the only prick, but everybody's awesome.

Yeah. Who are you most happy for? I remember kind of talking to Rhett, and it was after the one loss, you know, you feel bad that you couldn't get a win for certain people. Who were you happy that you were able to get it across the line for? There's so many, man. Like, if you guys could understand, I mean, you probably would. Like, this is not your run-of-the-mill CFL team. Like, we've got hundreds of people who work here,

some of which we've been here for 10 plus years and has never won a championship and they worked their asses off, which is why I think Ryder Pride is such a big thing because people put so much into it. So there's so many people, man, a fan base obviously, but just off the top of my head, you know, I hated that people tried to, you know, use the narrative that Trevor Harris wasn't a great quarterback because he had never won as a starter. So I said, okay, well, let's cross that bullshit off the list. So I was really happy that, you know, he was able to do it. it and the way that he did it, you know, with the highest completion percentage in Great Cup history, MVP, that should be, that should be a Hall of Fame ticket. All the locals, the Saskey boys,

man, like to be able to grow up, love this team, and then to be able to wear the logo, like that means so much of them already, but to walk away with a cup, you shit and me, like, that's huge, man. So that was incredible. And then, you know, man, I could really say, I could go on a tangent. So many people, brother, but those guys off the top of my head, no doubt. When do they get that statue, the Mace statue up? Do you take a day and you got to stand still while they scan you or take pictures or sketchy? I'm building it in the backyard here, Mesa. We're going to come. Well, you're going to say it. All I got to do is if I walk outside, it's about minus 15 right now. So if I'll turn into a statue, walk into the truck.

When are you back to work? I mean, you're already in the office. It's probably, you know, not when, but when did. And I'd seen somewhere that you'd have 45 free agents. I mean, boys will want to stay, but you guys got some work to do for next. Yeah, exactly, exactly, right? Yeah, exactly. So, yeah, it was pretty dang quick, you know, J.O. and I and some of the staff we got into the office and started putting together

just a plan of attack for, you know, keeping as many of our guys as possible, man. Like, we're all about that. But we understand the nature of the business. but, you know, that, looking at 26 already calendars and stuff, just putting the calendar together to have a solid plan of attack for a great offseason. And it doesn't stop, man, but honestly, boy, do I love it. You know, I love this stuff. But it's cool.

I'd make sure I'd take mornings and, you know, eat breakfast with the kids and stuff. Yeah, breathe it in, Macer. Breathe it in. Don't just. I try. I try. There's always enough time for a pill or two. Yeah.

No, I was going to say, because you wouldn't have to look far, like you say, to find people that this, this, a Grey Cup win for that team means so much to those people. And then there's kind of the moment, okay, well, there's Trevor Harris and there's some people, and then there's the wife and the kids. And when the kids are old enough to kind of get the magnitude and understand what's going on, that has to be amazing. When do you lay eyes on the kids and your wife? because it's commotion crazy down on the sidelines after you win.

How soon until you see those guys and walk me through that minute. Yeah, yeah. So it was, it was, you know, celebration with all the guys. And I think I was about to do TSN. And I just heard my wife screaming behind me. So, you know, I said, oh, timeout. We ain't starting yet, you know. Just I think in any sport at a professional level,

college, whatever. There's just, there's so much time that goes into it, you know, as coaches and players and everybody alike, that, you know, you miss moments, you know, with your family. But for us, man, I got, my wife has been unbelievable through the whole process of my coaching career, my kids, you know, they, they were so pissed because they, you know, I didn't bring the great couple. They want, they think it's supposed to be at the house every day. I thought you won the trophy. We won the trophy, man. Just be patient.

So we had it over the other day. The kids ate cereal out of it, took a bunch of pictures, took it to their schools, man. What was that like? Tell us about the schools. That would have been unreal. They would have been so proud of dad. Yeah, man, it was great. So in typical, you know, Saskatchewan nature, I called the principal the day before, like right before school.

And I say, hey, look, I got the cup. I'd love to come by and bring it for the kids. And she said, hey, no problem. And then I guess like 10 minutes before school ended, they made an announcement, a tomorrow's green and white day. We showed up the whole, like I'd say, no word of a lie, 96% of the kids had riders gear. When does the police escort show up to your house to take it?

No kidding, man. I asked my son, you know, my son's three, so he took it to his daycare after. But I said, what was the best part of day? He said, Dad, I like going to the school. everybody was cheering for me. I said, Jesus, kid. I hope you're a professional athlete. He ain't getting that nowhere.

That's great. That's awesome. Well, how's the little banger doing? I think we heard about him skating last time we checked in. Yeah. Well, genetics are not on his side when it comes to that sport, you know. I can't skate backwards, but I can only stop one way. But shit, I'm out there on the ice with him.

He's in 3, 4, 5. Tim Bits plays for Sabers. Let's go. All right. Yeah, yeah. But he's amped up. But he's, I love his heart, man. His first day, he said, Dad, I'm scoring six goals. Like, yeah, just wait. You've never skated in your life. This is going to be great. Oh, man. Yeah. So we're not quite, we're not quite ready, man, but to have him out there at that age, getting teamwork. Some of his buddies in the neighborhood are on the same team. It's cool to see,

man. It's awesome to see. I'm excited. I'm excited to, you know, hopefully get to be a hockey deck, because their season. I can actually watch the games because it's in our offseason, right? So what a cool time. But he's definitely, he's going to be a kind of a bufflin type if I had to guess so. Yeah. He did very well. He's a good play.

Everyone needs a bufflin. Well, I don't know if people have made the shirt or if it's one of the, but my favorite quote was afterwards, and I'll let you finish it. You were asked the question on the field. Well, we play hard. We love hard. And we fucking win hard, baby. Yeah, I love it, dude.

I mean, Pinner and I were conflicted, right? Like, we're out here. Man, like, I cheer for the riders. Look at the side of the family's rider fans. I grew up in Calgary. You look so good in red. And then the moment you left town, I'm like, this might come back and be awkward at some point. And the first time I've ever cheered for the green was a couple Sundays ago.

It's like, the R goes, okay, well, whatever. So happy for Mason. It's the cheese. Is there riders? Never rooted for the green before, Mace. That's awesome. Well, get to it, man. It's the only way to go.

Congratulations, dude. We're pumped for you. You know where the Great Cup is next year, Mace? My chance is? I think somewhere in Alberta, I think. Yeah, I think somewhere nearby here. Hopefully we'll run into you. I'll have to be out of town.

I'll go to one of those games we play. It'll be green there too. You'll go. Congratulations, pal. We love. Appreciate you, boys. You bet you. Much love.

Be good. All right. There you go. coach of the champ gray cup champion saskatchewan rough rider's story i have goosebumps talking to macer