Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach

Tim Burke is returning for his second season as the Blue Bombers' defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach.

It was an impressive coming out party for Coach Burke in his first season at the helm of the Blue Bomber defence as his unit ranked first in 12 defensive categories including fewest first downs allowed (322), fewest yards net offence (5,420), most interceptions (25) and most quarterback sacks (55).  The defence also finished either second or third in ten other categories proving once again that Burke’s defences are always one of the toughest to beat in the CFL.

Before coming to Winnipeg, Burke spent three seasons with the Montreal Alouettes as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach where he won two Grey Cup championships.  In 2010, the Als finished in the top three in 14 defensive categories including first in fewest yards net rushing (1,738) and most interceptions (25).  In 2009, his defence dominated the CFL, setting a team record with just 324 points allowed and finished first in 21 of 25 defensive categories.  

Prior to joining the Alouettes, Burke spent three seasons on the Calgary Stampeders’ coaching staff as their defensive backs coach.  He was also named defensive coordinator halfway through his final year.  

Before entering the CFL, Burke spent over 20 years in the NCAA in various defensive coaching roles.  He spent time with Indiana State University, the University of Tennessee–Chattanooga and Kansas State University after three seasons as the defensive backs coach at Purdue University.  While with the Boilermakers, Burke’s secondary turned into a significant weapon, allowing just 193.7 yards per game in 1998 while intercepting 23 passes in 1997 – the second most in school history.  Previously, Burke spent two years at the University of Wyoming where he coached the secondary.  His 1995 unit led the WAC in pass defense.

Before going to Wyoming, Burke coached the Ball State Cardinals’ secondary from 1989-1991 and was their defensive coordinator from 1992-1994.  During his tenure, he helped the Cards win MAC Championships in 1989 and 1993 with berths in the California Raisin and Las Vegas Bowls, respectively.  BSU was the MAC’s winningest team during the six years that he was at the school.

Coaching History