By Ian Hamilton, Saskatchewan News Network; Regina Leader-PostJanuary 29, 2009 7:01 AM
REGINA -- In his 14 CFL seasons, Gene Makowsky has seen his share of turnovers -- not to mention turnover.
REGINA -- In his 14 CFL seasons, Gene Makowsky has seen his share of turnovers -- not to mention turnover.
When the Saskatchewan Roughriders hire a new offensive line coach in the coming days, that individual will be the eighth position coach Makowsky has had since joining the team in 1995.
"(A coaching change) is a problem if you let it become one," said Makowsky, who has received guidance over his CFL career from (in chronological order) Pat Perles, Bill Dole, Bill Dobson, Carl Brennan, Marcel Bellefeuille, George Cortez and Mike Gibson.
"We all realize it's a change business. What you have to do is take the things that work for you that each coach has given you. I still have some basic things that coach Dole presented to me and I still try to incorporate those."
The Roughriders have been in the market for a new O-line coach since Gibson left Dec. 10 to become the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' offensive co-ordinator. Bob Wylie, currently a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' staff, is the rumoured frontrunner.
Saskatchewan also needs a new defensive backs coach in the wake of the departure of Richie Hall, who became the head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos on Dec. 17. Argos defensive co-ordinator Kavis Reed is believed to be a candidate to replace Hall.
Hall's other job in Saskatchewan, that of defensive co-ordinator, went to Gary Etcheverry. That means the Roughriders are seeking a D-line coach as well, since Etcheverry filled that role last season after Ron Estay took a leave of absence. Estay has since retired.
"Richie Hall's defence really, really fit me as a defensive lineman," said veteran tackle Marcus Adams. "With Gary Etcheverry's defence, I don't know what to expect. With the new D-line coach, whoever that may be, you've got to make sure you adjust to what they want.
"I'm sure it will be different than Estay's and Richie Hall's teachings, but at the same time, I know it'll be right. I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
The willingness of players to adapt to a new position coach is vital. For the offensive linemen, that may mean learning new assignments and terms if the coach wants to make changes.
The willingness of players to adapt to a new position coach is vital. For the offensive linemen, that may mean learning new assignments and terms if the coach wants to make changes.
"I've seen offensive line coaches who came in and wanted to keep the same terminology so their offensive linemen felt comfortable," said centre Jeremy O'Day, who's about to work for his seventh O-line coach in Saskatchewan.
"I've also seen coaches come in who wanted to change every term in the playbook, just to make the guys not feel comfortable. It's just a matter of where their coaching philosophy is."
That said, coaches also can help the transition by being open to suggestions.
As perennial all-stars, Makowsky and O'Day obviously have a few tricks of the trade to share.
That said, coaches also can help the transition by being open to suggestions.
As perennial all-stars, Makowsky and O'Day obviously have a few tricks of the trade to share.
For a new coach to tell them to change the way they've done things throughout their careers would almost be counterproductive.
"Most coaches have given me a little leeway, especially later on in my career," Makowsky said. "Most coaches really don't care how you do it as long as you get it done.
"Some people might not have the best golf swing in the world, but they can still get it out there. Most coaches are pretty good that way. They're not so rigid that they can't compromise on certain ways of doing things."
"Some people might not have the best golf swing in the world, but they can still get it out there. Most coaches are pretty good that way. They're not so rigid that they can't compromise on certain ways of doing things."
And if players are too rigid -- well, there are seven other CFL teams with which to play.
"Even last year, Estay would have us do one thing and (Etcheverry) wanted us to do another thing," Adams said. "We questioned it, but when it comes down to it, every coach doesn't have the same mindset. But they do have one goal in mind and that's to win championships."
"Even last year, Estay would have us do one thing and (Etcheverry) wanted us to do another thing," Adams said. "We questioned it, but when it comes down to it, every coach doesn't have the same mindset. But they do have one goal in mind and that's to win championships."
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