Special Teams Coordinator/Running Backs Coach

Kyle Walters is entering his third season as the Blue Bombers’ special teams coordinator and running backs coach and is also a key member of Winnipeg’s CFL College Draft Team, as he is heavily involved in organizing draft material and player evaluations.

Walters’ special teams improved immensely in 2011 as his cover units never allowed a single touchdown on either punt returns or kickoff returns.  In addition, returner Jovon Johnson finished second in the league in both punt return yards (594) and missed field goal return yards (201).  Walters was also responsible for working with the running backs and helped tutor Chris Garrett who rushed for 576 yards in only six games.

In 2010, Walters oversaw a unit that boasted one of the most electrifying returners in Johnson who scored two punt return touchdowns and finished second in the league in punt return yards with 957.  Punter Mike Renaud was named to the East Division All-Star Team after averaging 42.1 yards per punt while linebacker Pierre-Luc Labbé finished with the third most special teams tackles (21) in the league.

Walters joined Winnipeg after spending four seasons as the Head Coach of the University of Guelph Gryphons where he posted a 13-18-1 record.  His club advanced to the post season in three of the four seasons he was at the helm.  In 2007, Guelph had one of their best seasons in recent history as they finished 4-4 and hosted not only their first home playoff game since 1986, but also the 100th Yates Cup – their first Yates appearance since winning it in1996.  Walters was also the special teams coordinator from 2007-2009 for the West team in the CIS All-Star game.

The native of St. Thomas, Ontario previously served as the Gryphons full-time assistant coach and defensive coordinator from 2004-2005.  Before entering the college ranks, Walters spent the 2003 season as the assistant special teams coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

As a player, Walters was drafted in the second round (10th overall) of the 1996 CFL Canadian Draft and played safety and halfback with the club, helping them win the 1999 Grey Cup.  His 78 special teams tackles rank fourth all-time in Hamilton Tiger-Cat history.  Walters was also the special teams captain for three seasons.  In college, Walters played for the University of Guelph from 1992-1996 and was named team captain during his senior year.  He helped them capture the Yates Championship in 1992 and 1996.

Walters earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Guelph in 1997.  He and his wife Rena have two young children, Lawson and Taylor.

Coaching History