The University of Saskatchewan Huskies are adding the program’s all-time passing leader to their coaching staff.
Head coach Scott Flory has named Mason Nyhus assistant head coach and passing game coordinator.
"This is a great day for Huskie Football. Adding someone of Mason's character, aptitude, leadership, and personality is going to elevate our program and coaching staff," Flory said.
After graduating from the Huskies in 2022, Nyhus joined the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds coaching staff as their quarterbacks coach. Flory wasn’t surprised that Nyhus would pursue coaching beyond his playing days.
“As a coach, you always know when a player is going to go on to have a career in coaching past their playing career, and that was evident with Mason,” Flory said,
“Even as a player, he thought and operated like a coach on the field. It is the perfect time to bring Mason back home to Huskie Football, the program is better with him involved."
As a member of the Thunderbirds coaching staff, Nyhus helped produce one of the best offences in the nation in 2023, which would go on to capture Hardy Cup and Mitchell Bowl on the way to a Vanier Cup appearance.
"I am beyond excited to return to the Huskies and join this coaching staff -- this truly feels like home," said Nyhus.
"There is some unfinished business here for myself and the team, and I wanted to be a part of that. I believe this group has the ability to have that success and bring the Vanier Cup back to Saskatoon."
After guiding quarterbacks Garrett Rooker and Derek Engel at UBC, Nyhus will now head a Saskatchewan quarterback room led by his former backup, Anton Amundrud. It's an opportunity that excites the Regina native.
“I had the pleasure of playing with Anton, he's an extremely capable player and a better talent than I ever was. He's got a rocket for an arm, can make every throw, and knows the offence.”
Nyhus played with the Huskies from 2016 to 2022, he was the starting quarterback for three seasons and won three Hardy Cup championships (2018, 2021, 2022) and two Uteck Bowls (2021, 2022).
In Nyhus’ final season, he earned Canada West Player of the Year honours after throwing for 2,759 yards with 18 touchdowns, leading the team to a 7-1 conference record, Hardy Cup title, Uteck Bowl, and Vanier Cup appearance.
After exhausting his eligibility, Nyhus held program records for career attempts (1,155), completions (739), passing yards (9,649), and passing touchdowns (66).