CALGARY -- The Calgary Stampeders hired veteran Rich Stubler as their new defensive co-ordinator Thursday.

Stubler replaces Rick Campbell, who left to become the head coach of the expansion Ottawa Redblacks.

Stubler, 64, spent the last two seasons as the B.C. Lions defensive co-ordinator. Stubler has over 25 years of CFL coaching experience with Hamilton, Edmonton, Toronto and B.C.

"I'm appreciative that the Stampeders and coach (John) Hufnagel have a little faith in me," says Stubler. "I'm really excited to come and work for the red and white."

Stubler takes over a Calgary defence that last year led the CFL in sacks (63) and featured rush end Charleston Hughes (league-high 18 sacks). The Stampeders were also second in fewest points allowed (22.9 per game).

Stubler is a four-time Grey Cup winner ('86 with Hamilton, '93 with Edmonton, 2000 with B.C. and '04 with Toronto).