RIDERS IN FIGHT FOR LLOYD

Riders in for a fight for Lloyd

By Rob VanstoneDecember 22, 2008

Maurice Lloyd.

Photograph by: Canwest
Robservations ...

- Bob Wylie is believed to be atop the Saskatchewan Roughriders' wish list as they pursue a new offensive line coach. The position was vacated when Mike Gibson left to become the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' offensive co-ordinator. Wylie spent the past two seasons as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' offensive line coach, but recently left that organization after Mike Kelly became the head coach. With Wylie coaching the offensive linemen, Winnipeg permitted the fewest sacks in the CFL (27) in 2007.

- CFL warhorse Dave Ritchie could also become part of the Roughriders' coaching staff. Ritchie, a highly reputable defensive co-ordinator, could assume that role if Gary Etcheverry does not get the nod. The defensive co-ordinator's position opened up Wednesday when Richie Hall was named the Edmonton Eskimos' head coach. Even if Etcheverry is chosen, Ritchie may resurface in Saskatchewan as the assistant head coach. Ritchie received his first CFL head-coaching job in 1993 when he was hired by then-B.C. Lions general manager Eric Tillman, who is now the GM in Saskatchewan. Tillman seriously considered hiring Ritchie as the Riders' head coach in December of 2006, only to opt for Kent Austin. The rest is history.

- Roughriders middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd should attract plenty of interest from CFL teams once he becomes an unrestricted free agent in mid-February. Look for the Lions and Edmonton Eskimos to make spirited pitches for Lloyd. He was brought into the league by then-Riders GM Roy Shivers, who is now in charge of player personnel for B.C. Hall's presence in Edmonton also makes the Alberta capital an inviting destination for Lloyd. The Roughriders would love to have him back, but the most-lucrative deals are likely to emanate from elsewhere.

- So what happens if Lloyd leaves? Renauld Williams plays middle linebacker in 2009. He could be flanked by Anton McKenzie, a 2008 all-star, and perhaps Sean Lucas (who are to become free agents in February). One player to watch could be linebacker Sam Olajubutu -- a 5-foot-9, 230-pounder from the University of Arkansas. Olajubutu amassed 372 defensive tackles as a three-year starter at Arkansas, twice earning first-team all-star honours in the Southeast Conference

- Chase Daniel, a quarterback with the University of Missouri Tigers, is one of the jewels of the Riders' negotiation list. Daniel, a Heisman Trophy finallist in 2007, has followed up by throwing 37 touchdown passes (four more than last year). At 6-foot-0, Daniel is undersized by NFL standards. Do not be surprised if he lands in Regina some time in 2009.