Dave Dickenson and Wally Buono spent nine years chasing championships together.

And while both are still striving to be crowned Grey Cup champions nearly a decade later, they’ll find themselves across the field from one another for the first time on Friday night.

Buono, the 20th head coach in Stampeders franchise history, coached Dave Dickenson in Calgary from 1997-2000, a four-year stretch that included a league title in 1998. The pair was then reunited in BC from 2003-07 and would again hoist the Cup in 2006.

Since then, Buono embarked on a four-year absence from coaching to serve as the Leos’ general manager and vice-president of football operations but has taken over the coaching reigns this season for a second sideline stint.

As for Dickenson, the Montana native is entering his eighth season on the Stampeders coaching staff and first as head coach, therefore setting up a memorable pre-season matchup this weekend for the former-colleagues-turned-opponents.

One present member of the Red and White’s roster with close ties to both Buono and Dickenson is Joshua Bell as the safety spent two seasons in the Lions secondary before coming to Calgary in 2014.

Thankful for the impact made by both men throughout his CFL playing days, Bell reflected positively on his time with Buono and had glowing remarks for Dickenson’s tenure thus far.

“Wally gave me an opportunity to play football again and continue my career,” remarked Bell, who spent a total of two seasons with the San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers prior to Buono bringing him up north. “I’m extremely appreciative of that opportunity to play football post-NFL and be going into my ninth season right now. And playing for Dave right now, I’ve always respected Dave as a coach playing on the other side (of the ball) from him. Now (with) him being the head coach, that respect and that admiration goes to another level. I just respect his mind and, so far, two or three weeks in, I respect his approach.”

Having deeply cherished his time alongside Buono, Dickenson considers the CFL’s all-time winningest coach to be one of the finest in league history who has helped prepare him for future success.

“What can I say about Wally?” commented Dickenson, the Stampeders’ 25th head coach since the franchise was founded in 1945. “He’s one of the best and he’s a man I’ve always respected. Wally has the ability to take athletes and get the most out of them.”

And consider the admiration to be mutual as Buono never doubted Dickenson’s potential as a quality head coach.

“I’m happy for the players that played for me that have succeeded outside of (playing) football, whether it’s in the business world or in the football world,” said Buono on the eve of the Stamps invading the Lions den. “Dave has always been a competitor. He’s always been a very loyal, hard-working guy. I’m not surprised on his rise in the coaching fraternity.”