Bougie, Palmer return as Flag National Team Head Coaches

Football Canada is pleased to announce that both François Bougie, head coach of its Senior Women’s Flag Football National Team, and Chad Palmer, head coach of Canada’s Senior Men’s Flag Football National Team, will be returning.

Bougie is hoping to build upon the success of the last summer’s IFAF Flag Football World Championships where the Women’s National Team claimed the bronze medal after defeating Mexico in a competitive battle 19-14 in Panama City, Panama.

Meanwhile, Palmer looks to guide the Men’s National Team on improving upon their sixth place finish at the 2018 IFAF Flag Football World Championships.

“We’re excited to return both Canadian national team head coaches in preparation for the 2020 IFAF Flag Football World Championships,” Football Canada’s Manager of Program Development Aaron Geisler says. “The competition at these events continues to improve as does flag football around the world.”

“Following our experience in Panama City, we hope to elevate our competition level and aim high through development of our flag programs including the creation of the Canadian Flag Football League (CFFL which rivals other flag programs internationally.”

Bougie continues storied tenure with Women’s Flag National Team

Bougie became Canada’s first Women’s Flag Football National Team’s head coach at IFAF competition in 2008 and has had a tremendous amount of success. Under his leadership, Canada’s women have reached the podium in three of their four IFAF World Championship appearances including gold in 2010 and 2014, silver in 2008 and most recently, bronze last summer in Panama City, Panama.

He also helped Canada to a pair of silver medals as offensive line coach (2010) and offensive coordinator (2013) at the IFAF Women’s World Championships. In 2001, he served as the Montreal Blitz’ head coach for their inaugural season in the Women’s Independent Football League.

Coaching bio

• Head coach
  • Women’s Flag Football National Team, IFAF FFWC in 2008, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018
  • Montréal Blitz (tackle football – IWFL), 2001
  • Fleur de Lys (touch football), 2001 – present
  • Collège Maisonneuve (flag football), 2001 – present
  • Jean-Eudes (boys & girls flag football) benjamin, cadet, juvenile, 2010 – present
  • Jean-Eudes (tackle football) cadet, 2016 – present
  • École Secondaire Cité-des-Jeunes (tackle football), 2000, 2002
  • Collège Bourget (tackle), 1998-1999
• Coach
  • Collège Jean-Eudes Aigles (flag football), 2003 – present
• Offensive coordinator
  • Women’s National Team, 2013 Women’s World Championship (Finland)
  • Jean-Eudes (tackle football) cadet, 2006-present
• Offensive line coach
  • Women’s National Team, 2010 Women’s World Championship (Sweden) 

Palmer returns from 2018

Chad Palmer is fresh off his second stint as Flag Worlds head coach, leading Canada to a sixth place finish. He is a long-time high school coach and has previously coached internationally with the Women’s National Team as well as with Team Saskatchewan on multiple occasions.

He began the Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League as a 21-team men’s and women’s senior flag league in 2012. After five years, it has become the largest in Saskatchewan boasting 72 teams playing an indoor season (winter) and outdoor season (summer).

Coaching bio

• Head coach
  • Men’s Flag Football National Team, 2016 and 2018 IFAF FFWC
• Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach
  • Aden Bowman Collegiate, 2014-present
  • Saskatoon Valkyries, 2012-2016
  • Team Saskatchewan, 2016 Women’s National Championship
• Receivers coach
  • 2013 Women’s National Team, 2013 IFAF Women’s World Championship
• Quarterbacks coach
  • U18 Team Saskatchewan-Green, 2014 Football Canada Cup
  • U17 Team Saskatchewan, 2017 International Bowl
• Offensive line coach, special teams coordinator
  • Bedford Road Collegiate, 2010-2014

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