Watson has had an extensive football portfolio before joining the volunteer role with the Bisons. He was the head coach for the Winnipeg Rifles for the past five season (2002-06) and was named the CJFL (Canadian Junior Football League) Coach of the Year in 2005 and named as a two-time PFC (Prairie Football Conference) Coach of the Year (2005, 2004).

Prior to the Rifles success, Watson was head coach for St. Paul’s High School from 1998-2001. He coached them to a WHSFL (Winnipeg High School Football League) Championship in 1999 and finalists in 2000 and 2001. He was also part of the WHSFL Coaching Staff of the Year in 2000.

Watson is a Bison alumnus as he played linebacker from 1986-87 and 1990-92. He was selected as a CIS First Team All-Canadian in 1991 and Second Team All-Canadian in 1992 while being a two-time Canada West All-Star (1991-92).

He started his coaching career as head coach with the Sturgeon Creek Collegiate from 1994-97 and was part of the WHSFL Coaching Staff of the Year in 1996. Along with his high school coaching experience, Watson was head coach of Football Manitoba Provincial Team in 1996 and Provincial Team Assistant Coach form 1992-95 and 2000. He was also a guest coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2002.

Bison football head coach Brian Dobie commented, “Mike is one of the top football coaches in Western Canada and a leader in Manitoba’s football community. We are happy to have someone with as much football experience available in assisting with the Bison Football program. Mike will bring energy, passion and knowledge of several former Rifles that he coached who now play for the Bisons.”

Watson is on a one year leave of absence as a teacher at St. Paul's High School. He is currently a recruitment consultant at Pinnacle. Pinnacle is Manitoba’s largest recruitment, dealing with permanent professional placements and direct hiring for local Companies. Co-founders and Bison Football Alumni, Wade Miller and Dale Driedger started Pinnacle approximately five years ago after having a conversation in the Hamilton airport on the way home from the Bison football team’s appearance in the Vanier Cup. Since then, the company has taken off with 18 recruiters that serve specifically Manitoba, and also throughout Canada. Pinnacle recently opened a San Diego, California office as well.

He is married to wife Leslie for 10 years and they have two children, Sarah and Kate.