| 1996 Ottawa Rough Riders season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Jim Gilstrap (fired) John Payne |
| Home field | Frank Clair Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 3–15 |
| Division place | 4th, East |
| Playoff finish | did not qualify |
| Uniform | |
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The 1996 Ottawa Rough Riders finished fourth place in the East Division with a 3–15 record and failed to make the playoffs. This was the final season in Ottawa Rough Riders franchise history as they folded after the season ended. Jim Gilstrap was the coach through the second game of the regular season before being fired and replaced with John Payne for the remainder of the season.