The football dream will continue for Mason Nyhus, but it will lead him on a different path than he originally intended.
After wrapping up a career on the field with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, Nyhus recently accepted a position on the coaching staff of the UBC Thunderbirds, where he will work with the team’s quarterbacks.
Nyhus told Michael Ball on Wednesday’s edition of the SportsCage that he is ready to move on with the next stage of his life as he begins his coaching and teaching career on the west coast.
“It was time to get going with my life,” said the quarterback after he decided to move on from his playing career.
“I’m happy with my decision and happy to live with it.”
During his time on the gridiron, Nyhus built up a long list of accolades. Before joining the Huskies, the quarterback was named the Canada Cup MVP in 2015. As a member of the Huskies, he led the team to a pair of appearances in the Vanier Cup.
The Regina product said his parents were proud that he was named a 4x U Sports Academic All-Canadian, but the former Riffel Royal said he takes the most pride in his Huskies awards voted on by his teammates.
“It’s pretty cool to get recognized by your fellow peers.”
During the winter, the Saskatchewan Roughriders added the Huskies quarterback to their protected list, giving the green and white a chance to discuss a possible contract with Nyhus during the off-season. The Regina product said the Roughriders led by General Manager Jeremy O’Day and Assistant General Manager Kyle Carson were interested in allowing him to earn a spot on the roster.
“Everything I heard from (Jeremy) O’Day and (Kyle)Carson were very positive.” said Nyhus.
Even with Nathan Rourke’s success with the BC Lions in 2022 which would see him land a contract with NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, Canadian quarterbacks continue to face an uphill battle for roster spots in the CFL. Nyhus admitted the fate of other quarterbacks in the past who played college football in Canada factored in his decision to move into coaching.
Leading the Thunderbirds is Head Coach Blake Nill. One of the top coaches in Canada following stops at St.Marys and Calgary Nill has developed a reputation with a tough demeanour. Nyhus said the UBC head coach has provided a positive environment in Vancouver.
“He’s welcomed me with open arms, he’s treated me fantastically and Coach Nill has been first class all the way.”
One of the top assistant coaches in the CFL is Regina’s own Marc Mueller. After interviewing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders for their offensive coordinator position and with the Ottawa REDBLACKS for their head coaching job this winter, he elected to remain with the Calgary Stampeders as the team’s quarterbacks coach. There is no doubt Mueller has a bright future in the coaching ranks and Nyhus considers Mueller to be a role model for young Canadians and hopes to follow in his footsteps.
“He’s an awesome coach, awesome guy, if I could just have a little bit of the success in U Sports or in the CFL I would be super grateful. ”
Last season, the UBC Thunderbirds defeated the University of Regina Rams in the Canada West semi-finals before they were defeated by Nyhus and the Huskies in the 2022 Hardy Cup.
