The Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Stampeders 40-37 in double overtime in Calgary and defensive coordinator Joshua Bell wanted to show his gratitude to the Green and White fans who came out to see the team live.
"Big shout out to the Riders fans in Cowtown because we were confused about the plays when I was looking down at the replays and I kept hearing roars," Bell joked with SportsCage hosts Teagan Witko and Dave Thomas.
"I thought we were at their stadium and it sounded like we were still at home. So shout out to the fans, it was an amazing experience."
During the game, defensive back Juju Hughes suffered a lower body injury in the fourth quarter and Bell praised the veteran leadership from Marcus Sayles and Tevaughn Campbell.
"They picked the lineup. I didn't know that TC was going to the boundary with Sayles, who said, 'I'm gonna have it.' And then TC said, 'I'm staying at the boundary with you.’ Because they have that rapport," Bell detailed.
"They mimic each other a lot in practice and they learn from each other. They compete internally. So that communication was everything in those moments and helped us win the game."
Previously, Bell was a defensive back who played in the NFL, winning one Super Bowl in 2011 with the Green Bay Packers, and later played in the CFL, winning a Grey Cup in 2014 with the Stampeders. When Bell became a defensive back coach after his playing career, he won three more Grey Cups in 2018 with Calgary, 2022 with Toronto then with Saskatchewan in 2025.
This season is Bell's first time as a defensive coordinator and he shared what he finds most challenging in his new role.
"I think the thing that I'm learning the most is I've been able to coach players for a long time, but in this role, I'm doing a little bit more of coaching my constituents," Bell said.
"I'm coaching the coaches a little bit and I think that's probably the biggest thing that I'm learning and the toughest task for me."
Looking ahead, the Riders next opponent is the Toronto Argonauts Friday at 7 p.m. Bell is aware of the strength that their offence brings.
"I love coach Mike Miller. I love his energy, I love what he brings, I love his passion, his desire, and his fight. Chad Kelly is one of my brothers; I've been able to work with him and do some things with him. I know the fire that they bring on that side," Bell said.
"Those guys are amazing; they challenge you with the deep ball, and they can run it down your throat. They can run a little RPO game and hit the quick game and get explosive plays."
