The search is on for the next coach of the VI Raiders. The team is looking to replace outgoing head coach Curtis Vizza by mid February. (Jennifer Laver Photography)

By Dan Marshall

Coach Change

VI Raiders begin search for new head coach after Curtis Vizza steps down

Jan 12, 2023 | 12:03 PM

NANAIMO — The VI Raiders are set to have a new coach on the sidelines this season.

Curtis Vizza is leaving as the team’s head coach and ending a tenure with the team as a player or coach dating back to the late 2000’s.

Team president Kabel Atwal said Vizza decided to step back for personal and family reasons.

“You’ve got to take care of yourself first and we support Curtis and thank him for everything he’s done in the past for us.”

Vizza was at the helm of the team since 2019.

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The Raiders have already begun the search for a new head coach and Atwal is looking for some specific qualities.

“A commitment to winning is important but we think maybe even more important is someone who is a teacher. We want that person to help kids grow personally and athletically as well.”

The next coach will need to support general manager Josh Williams in the ongoing recruiting process as well.

“We’re looking for someone who can add to the recruiting we’ve done in the past and we’ve made changes to the organization by adding a recruiting coodinator the new coach will work with.”

A deadline of Jan. 31 is set for applications for the head coaching position with the Raiders due to make their final decision by mid-February.

The Raiders are coming off a challenging 1-9 season.

Atwal is trying to set realistic expectations for the 2023 campaign.

“We want to win as much as we can, that’s the objective, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. It may take a year or two to get back to the level where we’re competing for nationals.”

Atwal confirmed the Raiders will have a largely local player base this upcoming season.

“The quality of players coming out of Nanaimo, Duncan and Courtenay/Comox is getting better and better. We are also recruiting heavily in the prairies right now and will continue to do so.”

In addition to on-field struggles, last year also presented several off-field challenges for the BC Football Conference Club (BCFC).

A fire at their Wall St. practice facility in July destroyed part of the building and some equipment. Two months later, a significant break in to another building on site saw the team cleared out of a significant amount of gear, technology and food.

The Raiders have been members of the BCFC since 2005, securing three league titles, along with a national championship in 2006.

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