Former Rider Chris Getzlaf joining Regina Thunder staff

Former Rider joins Thunder stuff WATCH: The Regina Thunder are making two changes to their coaching staff, including the addition of a former Rider.

A familiar name to many football fans in Saskatchewan will be joining the Regina Thunder.

The team announced Friday that former Saskatchewan Roughrider Chris Getzlaf has been hired as an offensive consultant.

Before going on to win two Grey Cups with the Riders (2007, 2013) Getzlaf played for the Thunder from 2001 until 2004.

During his 11-year CFL career, Getzlaf recorded almost 6,200 receiving yards, 41 touchdowns, got two all-star nods and was named the Most Outstanding Canadian in the 2013 Grey Cup.

“For me, it’s like coming home. I got my start in junior football, and it’s a great opportunity to join this franchise as a coach. I will do my best to bring my experience and knowledge to assist in the development of the young men on this team,” Getzlaf said in a news release.

The Thunder also announced the hiring of Carter Gusway, who will be the teams’ offensive coordinator. Gusway was the Thunder’s quarterbacks coach in 2024. He has also spent time in various roles in the NCAA with Bowdoin College and St. Lawrence University, as well as time in Germany as an offensive coordinator and associate head coach for the Neu-Ulm Spartans.

In 2024, the Thunder defeated the Saskatoon Hilltops in the PFC title game before losing to the Okanagan Sun in the Canadian Junior Football League semi-finals.