A few nocturnal thoughts on the Saskatchewan Roughriders . . .
• Watch for Bob Wylie to replace Mike Gibson as the Roughriders' offensive line coach. Gibson was recently hired as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' offensive co-ordinator. Wylie, who has a wealth of coaching experience (especially in the NFL), spent the past two seasons as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' offensive line coach.
• The Roughriders are also looking for a defensive co-ordinator now that Richie Hall has become head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos. The early betting is that Gary Etcheverry will be named defensive co-ordinator. Failing that, how about Dave Ritchie? He could also resurface on the Roughriders' staff as the assistant head coach.
• Great news: George Reed and his wife, Angie, are to return to Regina in February. Reed has been hired as a corporate event host for the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation. Reed has resided in Calgary since 1984. Welcome back, No. 34.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Q & A WITH JASON CLERMONT
SASKATOON -- As a regular feature, StarPhoenix reporter Cory Wolfe gets personal with a sports figure. Today, Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Jason Clermont gets cornered.
Wolfe: You were all over newspapers in Saskatchewan when you signed with the Roughriders last week. Pick a magazine cover you’d like to grace.
Clermont: To build my real-estate business and end up on the cover of Forbes would be pretty cool.
Wolfe: As a Regina Ram, you played against junior football’s Saskatoon Hilltops and later the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Which former rival will never get a Christmas card from Jason Clermont?
Clermont: It’s funny you ask that because a couple of them have. Tyler Baier was a (real-estate) client of mine and he got a Christmas card this year. And (Lions offensive lineman) Kelly Bates is a friend of mine, so he got a Christmas card. I actually get along pretty well with most of those guys, but if you would have asked me that when we were playing, I would have said they wouldn’t be worth the stamp.
Wolfe: (Laughs) OK, harken back to childhood. What’s your most memorable gift from Santa?
Clermont: We didn’t have a ton of loot growing up. Just before my grandpa passed away, he gave each family — he’s got two daughters and a son — an Amiga computer. That was the first computer we had. That was pretty ridiculous for us. We were able to play some racing game that made us late for school every day. It was supposed to be a tool to help us get through school and really, it kept us away from school.
Wolfe: Eric Tillman was Ottawa’s GM in 2002 when the Renegades owned the first two picks in the Canadian college draft. You went fourth overall to B.C. and years later, Tillman described himself as “not the idiot who passed on Jason Clermont (but rather) the idiot who passed on him twice.” Did you use that as a bargaining chip in contract negotiations?
Clermont: (Laughs) No, not even close. I do appreciate that he did pass over me twice and I do appreciate that Toronto did the same thing. The opportunities that I was granted in B.C. allowed me to become the player I am. That’s the thing about sports — you’re only as good as the opportunities you’re granted and what you do with them. I thought that Jason Sulz from the U of S would long be a CFL star before I ever put on a jersey. The same with a (Rams) teammate of mine, Chris Warnecke. They just weren’t given the same opportunities as me and I was blessed that the chips fell where they did.
Wolfe: Before last week, when was the last time you wore a Roughrider jersey?
Clermont: Uh, 1999 in a pre-season game against Calgary I wore No. 79. If you want to call it “playing” . . . I think I got in for two series in the fourth quarter.
Wolfe: You alluded to the fact that you’re a realtor during the off-season. Statistically speaking, did you have a better year as a football player or as a realtor?
Clermont: I think I worked as a realtor for four months and I put together about 40 deals. And I think I had 50 catches, so I had a few more catches in football but now that I’m going to be here year-round, that might even out.
Wolfe: What is the ratio of suits to sweats in your closet?
Clermont: Well, I was sponsored by Reebok so we’ve got a ton of Reebok sweats and hoodies and stuff like that. I’ve got probably three suits in my closet here and I think I have one or two in my condo in B.C.
Wolfe: That’s reasonable. It covers things off without being excessive. What would your glamour licence plate say?
Clermont: I’m not really into that.
Wolfe: You know what Milt Stegall said . . . 7-11 ’cause he’s always open.
Clermont: I think I’m more like Wal-Mart. I’m open most of the time, but when the season comes around and you really need me, I’m open 24 hours.
Wolfe: (Laughs) Very good. Who’s your favourite athlete to watch, any sport?
Clermont: We got pretty into the whole Michael Phelps thing during the Olympics. It was pretty special what he did.
Wolfe: If you were writing a tell-all book, which former teammate would make the juiciest subject?
Clermont: I might need to throw a “no comment” on the juiciest, but the most interesting would definitely be (former B.C. Lions linebacker) Carl Kidd. I’d like to give you his phone number and you wouldn’t have to ask me why. He was a cliché-a-minute and he had a saying for everything. He was from the deep south and he had a story for everything. And he had side businesses going on that were incredible and hilarious at times. He is by far one of the biggest personalities I’ve ever met. We put (quarterback) Spergon Wynn in against Toronto in 2003 when we did the East crossover. We lost the game and the quote from Carl Kidd was: “That’s what happens when you take a knife to a gunfight.”
Wolfe: You were all over newspapers in Saskatchewan when you signed with the Roughriders last week. Pick a magazine cover you’d like to grace.
Clermont: To build my real-estate business and end up on the cover of Forbes would be pretty cool.
Wolfe: As a Regina Ram, you played against junior football’s Saskatoon Hilltops and later the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Which former rival will never get a Christmas card from Jason Clermont?
Clermont: It’s funny you ask that because a couple of them have. Tyler Baier was a (real-estate) client of mine and he got a Christmas card this year. And (Lions offensive lineman) Kelly Bates is a friend of mine, so he got a Christmas card. I actually get along pretty well with most of those guys, but if you would have asked me that when we were playing, I would have said they wouldn’t be worth the stamp.
Wolfe: (Laughs) OK, harken back to childhood. What’s your most memorable gift from Santa?
Clermont: We didn’t have a ton of loot growing up. Just before my grandpa passed away, he gave each family — he’s got two daughters and a son — an Amiga computer. That was the first computer we had. That was pretty ridiculous for us. We were able to play some racing game that made us late for school every day. It was supposed to be a tool to help us get through school and really, it kept us away from school.
Wolfe: Eric Tillman was Ottawa’s GM in 2002 when the Renegades owned the first two picks in the Canadian college draft. You went fourth overall to B.C. and years later, Tillman described himself as “not the idiot who passed on Jason Clermont (but rather) the idiot who passed on him twice.” Did you use that as a bargaining chip in contract negotiations?
Clermont: (Laughs) No, not even close. I do appreciate that he did pass over me twice and I do appreciate that Toronto did the same thing. The opportunities that I was granted in B.C. allowed me to become the player I am. That’s the thing about sports — you’re only as good as the opportunities you’re granted and what you do with them. I thought that Jason Sulz from the U of S would long be a CFL star before I ever put on a jersey. The same with a (Rams) teammate of mine, Chris Warnecke. They just weren’t given the same opportunities as me and I was blessed that the chips fell where they did.
Wolfe: Before last week, when was the last time you wore a Roughrider jersey?
Clermont: Uh, 1999 in a pre-season game against Calgary I wore No. 79. If you want to call it “playing” . . . I think I got in for two series in the fourth quarter.
Wolfe: You alluded to the fact that you’re a realtor during the off-season. Statistically speaking, did you have a better year as a football player or as a realtor?
Clermont: I think I worked as a realtor for four months and I put together about 40 deals. And I think I had 50 catches, so I had a few more catches in football but now that I’m going to be here year-round, that might even out.
Wolfe: What is the ratio of suits to sweats in your closet?
Clermont: Well, I was sponsored by Reebok so we’ve got a ton of Reebok sweats and hoodies and stuff like that. I’ve got probably three suits in my closet here and I think I have one or two in my condo in B.C.
Wolfe: That’s reasonable. It covers things off without being excessive. What would your glamour licence plate say?
Clermont: I’m not really into that.
Wolfe: You know what Milt Stegall said . . . 7-11 ’cause he’s always open.
Clermont: I think I’m more like Wal-Mart. I’m open most of the time, but when the season comes around and you really need me, I’m open 24 hours.
Wolfe: (Laughs) Very good. Who’s your favourite athlete to watch, any sport?
Clermont: We got pretty into the whole Michael Phelps thing during the Olympics. It was pretty special what he did.
Wolfe: If you were writing a tell-all book, which former teammate would make the juiciest subject?
Clermont: I might need to throw a “no comment” on the juiciest, but the most interesting would definitely be (former B.C. Lions linebacker) Carl Kidd. I’d like to give you his phone number and you wouldn’t have to ask me why. He was a cliché-a-minute and he had a saying for everything. He was from the deep south and he had a story for everything. And he had side businesses going on that were incredible and hilarious at times. He is by far one of the biggest personalities I’ve ever met. We put (quarterback) Spergon Wynn in against Toronto in 2003 when we did the East crossover. We lost the game and the quote from Carl Kidd was: “That’s what happens when you take a knife to a gunfight.”
DARIAN DURANT CLOSE TO SIGNING
By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostDecember 18, 2008Be the first to post a comment
REGINA -- Darian Durant will soon be celebrating a noteworthy completion.
Durant and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are applying the finishing touches to a new contract. Expect the signing to be announced early in 2009.
REGINA -- Darian Durant will soon be celebrating a noteworthy completion.
Durant and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are applying the finishing touches to a new contract. Expect the signing to be announced early in 2009.
Confirmation of the deal will provide immense relief to Roughriders fans who feared that the 26-year-old quarterback would test unrestricted free-agency upon the expiration of his current pact in mid-February.
Durant provides the best hope for stability at football’s most crucial position, given his performance during the 2008 CFL season.
Durant provides the best hope for stability at football’s most crucial position, given his performance during the 2008 CFL season.
The former University of North Carolina star was part of a quarterbacking carousel with the most-recent edition of the Roughriders. Durant, Marcus Crandell, Steven Jyles and Michael Bishop all received significant playing time with a team that somehow won 12 games despite playing musical quarterbacks.
Durant was the most impressive of the four signal-callers, albeit while seeing limited duty. In July, Durant threw for five touchdowns and nearly 700 yards over two games while piloting the Roughriders to victories over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes.
He looked very much like the Roughriders’ quarterback of the present and future until suffering a rib injury early in a July 27 home game against the Toronto Argonauts.
He looked very much like the Roughriders’ quarterback of the present and future until suffering a rib injury early in a July 27 home game against the Toronto Argonauts.
By the time Durant was ready to return to active duty, Bishop had been installed as the Roughriders’ quarterback. Durant’s late-season appearances were not comparable to his showings against Hamilton and Montreal, but he was impeded by a lack of continuity and the coaches’ lack of patience.
By season’s end, the quarterback situation was muddied. Crandell, who had been released in late August after Bishop was acquired from Toronto, was long gone. Head coach Ken Miller gave Bishop a tepid endorsement as the starter heading into a home playoff game against the B.C. Lions, who won 33-12. Bishop was promptly dumped.
The departure of Bishop transmitted an emphatic message to Durant. The starter’s job is wide-open, with Durant being the leading candidate in a group of import passers that also includes Jyles, Dalton Bell and Drew Tate.
It should be noted that Durant will not be the starter by acclamation. He has to earn the position, and is more than happy to compete. But, really, is there a better choice?
Durant possesses many of the requisite attributes for a starter. He is intelligent and adept at distributing the football, which is essential in light of the Riders’ manage-the-game philosophy. He is also a stand-up guy -- a leader -- and the respect he engenders in the locker-room will also serve him well.
Durant possesses many of the requisite attributes for a starter. He is intelligent and adept at distributing the football, which is essential in light of the Riders’ manage-the-game philosophy. He is also a stand-up guy -- a leader -- and the respect he engenders in the locker-room will also serve him well.
The only criticism pertains to Durant’s arm strength, or lack thereof. Can he make all the throws that are required on the expansive CFL field?
Keep in mind that neither Ron Lancaster nor Kent Austin was blessed with a rocket-powered throwing arm. A quarterback can thrive in Saskatchewan without being able to fire the football as far as, say, Michael Bishop.
Keep in mind that neither Ron Lancaster nor Kent Austin was blessed with a rocket-powered throwing arm. A quarterback can thrive in Saskatchewan without being able to fire the football as far as, say, Michael Bishop.
Is Durant the answer? At this point, nobody can say that with any certainty. But it is clear that Durant deserves an opportunity and, given the success of the contract negotiations, it will be forthcoming in 2009.
So will a press release regarding the re-signing of Durant. Stay tuned.
rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com
rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com
Thursday, December 18, 2008
ERIC TILLMAN TAKE ON THE RECENT COACHING CHANGES
Here is what Roughriders GM Eric TIllman said Wednesday afternoon at Mosaic Stadium when he met the media to discuss the appointment of Richie Hall as the Edmonton Eskimos' head coach:
What’s the organization’s thoughts on Richie Hall leaving? “Obviously, it’s a day of mixed emotions. Richie is somebody we care about deeply and we’re happy for him on a personal basis. At the same time, there’s a real sense of sadness for us because we’re losing a member of the family — someone who has been part of the fabric of Saskatchewan Roughriders football for so long. He’s meant so much to this province in so many ways, on and off the field. As I said to someone earlier, you hear the term ‘good man’ thrown around a lot in today’s society, but Richie Hall is the epitome of a good man. He’s as fine a person as you’ll meet. I know that Edmonton has hired a quality football coach and a good person and he will lead the organization with class and dignity.’’Was it a matter of time that somebody was going to make this call to Richie?
“Richie’s an experienced coach, a good person, and he has knocked on the door for a long time. I can understand Edmonton’s attraction to him. It’s also a compliment to our organization. The hunter has become the hunted. The last time this organization won this many games in two years was 1969 and 1970. We are no longer the lovable losers. This is a pre-eminent organization that other people look to with respect. They look to our coaches, as we saw with the loss of Mike Gibson last week, and as we saw with Richie today. We intend to stay where we are
in terms of the respect that we’ve earned over the last couple of years. It’s just reality in the new world order. When you’re successful, people come after your people. We’re happy for Richie and we wish him the best — obviously, except when he plays us. Life goes on.’’What’s the process going to be to find his replacement?
“Kenny’s on vacation right now. We spoke last night a couple of times, anticipating the possibility of this. You always prepare for the worst-case scenario in this business, knowing that Richie could either get this job or the one in Toronto. We have a plan in place, but I think it’s best for Kenny to speak to that as opposed to me.
’’Do you have to look very far, in that Gary Etcheverry is already employed here and has been a defensive co-ordinator various times in the CFL? “Gary is an outstanding coach. Our players have a lot of confidence in him. They have expressed that multiple times. He and Richie are very close. I know Richie was thrilled when he came aboard. As to what final decision will be made, I think Kenny should speak to that.
’’You’re one of the people who has gone through the head-coaching interviewing process with Richie. Why has it taken him so long? “There’s no magical formula to it. A lot of times, everything’s situational. Sometimes it’s based on relationships. Sometimes it’s based on what people need. I think, historically, there has probably been more of a focus on the offensive side of the ball than defence in this league. I have not adhered to that. I hired Dave Ritchie and gave him his first head-coaching opportunity. I think maybe it’s because Richie is not a flashy guy. We’re in an era of style. Richie is probably more substance than style, so I don’t know how well he interviews, but I know what he’s like on a day-to-day basis and I think he’ll do an outstanding job. I know he’s excited. I’m sure it’s mixed emotions for him. He called me last night and we talked. He called me about 11:30 or 12 and apologized. We talked extensively. He has strong feelings for this place, but all coaches, in the right circumstance, aspire to be head coaches — not all, but most. I think this is something where he felt he was ready to make the next step. It’s going to be a challenge for him, and it will be a challenge for us. The West Division just got stronger, as if we needed it to.
’’With key free agents in the linebacking corps, is there concern with people following Richie? “I’m sure there will be some losses. I don’t think there’s any question about that. But I think if you look at our club two years ago, John Chick, Renauld Williams, Lance Frazier, Weston Dressler, Wes Cates and a whole bunch of guys weren’t here. I think if this regime has proved anything, it’s that we can find good football players, so we would like to retain as many guys as we can. In the real world, had Richie stayed, we still would have had attrition. But, sure, when you have a man of his character with the relationship he has with his players, it’s going to have an impact. Football’s no different than life. Sometimes you have to react to change, and we’ll go forward. We didn’t anticipate the injuries that we had last year and we reacted, so we’ll do the same thing in this circumstance.
’’Did you ever consider making a counter-offer or, because it was a head-coaching position, did you know it was something you couldn’t match? “At the end of the season, I sat down with Richie before Toronto and Edmonton called and offered him a two-year extension — and a very attractive extension. I think one thing should be pointed out. We say we don’t read the newspapers or listen, but we do. The only difference is whether we’re honest with you guys or not. Some people say they never listen to the media, and they’re absolute liars. We understand what’s being said. I heard a guy last night on the radio — I was in the car — saying that I hadn’t shown Richie respect if he went to Edmonton, and that’s just patently absurb. When I took this job, Richie was the lowest-paid defensive co-ordinator in the league. In fact, we had the lowest-paid group of assistant coaches in the league. One of the pre-conditions of me taking the job was that we alter that appreciably. Richie, in two seasons, had gone from being the lowest-paid defensive co-ordinator in the league to being in the top-three-paid assistant coaches on either side of the ball in the league, and we offered him a two-year extension with another raise. So he has been very well-compensated. He was very appreciative of that. It’s just an opportunity for him to be a head coach. He was unbelievably gracious in his phone call earlier today. He enjoys tremendous respect from this organization and this province.
’’He was considered twice here for the head-coaching job. Was there something that deterred you from promoting him here? “There’s no way to answer that question without it sounding negative. Sometimes there’s not a right or wrong choice. There are multiple good choices. I think if you look at the success of the last two years — 24 wins in two seasons — that there was a lot right with Ken Miller and Kent Austin, so I’d answer it that way. Do I think that Richie’s capable of being a head coach? Yes, I do. I’ve said that multiple times, and I’m happy for him. But I think if you look at our success over the last couple of years, it speaks for itself, given that it had only been since ’69 or ’70 since it had been paralleled. That’s quite a while. In fact, some people in this scrum weren’t born yet.’’Will Ron Estay be back? “Right now, our focus is on Ron and his health. Ron’s a guy who we care about deeply and we love. Football’s way, way, way down the list of priorities right now. We want to be supportive of Ron and this organization’s going to continue to take care of him and be good to him. Whether or not he coaches really is not of significance right now. We just ask that our fans keep him in their thoughts and prayers.
’’Do you have a particular timeline when you want a defensive co-ordinator and even someone to replace Mike Gibson as well? “We’re well along the way in both processes, but I think there’s a proper protocol, and Kenny would speak to that. We’re well down the road in both paths. We’ve anticipated both situations. Mike was under contract, but knew that there was a possibility that he could become an offensive co-ordinator. We gave him permission to go. It was something that he wanted to pursue. Obviously, I know Marcel (Bellefeuille) quite well. The day that we gave him permission, we started planning for the next (step). You’d have to be deaf, dumb, blind and stupid to not realize that the thing with Richie might happen, given the interest in Toronto and Edmonton. We’re well-prepared and we’ll make the announcements at whatever time frame is appropriate.
’’Given the rivalry and as much as people like Richie, are there people who might not forgive him for going to Edmonton? “I think people will always love Richie here. He’s earned that. If it’s possible, I think it will take a little edge off the rivalry. It will be strong, but I think it will be a little more respectful because of the respect that people have for Richie Hall. We’ll still bring the same intensity to the field. Friendships don’t change. Rivalries don’t, either . . . Richie’s always going to be a part of this family. Ron Lancaster went to Edmonton and went to Hamilton, yet he was always part of our family. There are a special few who connect at an elite level with this franchise, with these people, and Richie certainly has earned his place at that elite level. It’s not just because of what he has accomplished as a player and a coach, but because he really invested in the community and gave a lot back. I know part of his heart will always remain here. He’ll always be welcomed here. I think it will change the rivalry a little bit, just in terms of its tone. I don’t think the hate will be there, but the passion won’t change. Let’s be very clear. Over the last couple of years, I think we’ve gone a long way toward changing the way this organization is seen or perceived. Our goal is to win championships. Our goal is to get home playoff games. And that won’t change. We’ll line up and look forward to the challenges in 2009.
’’How goes the battle with free agents? Are you making progress in trying to re-sign any of them? “Yeah, we have. One of the things right now that is complicated — and maybe everyone’s not aware of this — is the league rule that any contracts that are signed during the calendar year of 2008 count against the 2008 cap. Obviously, because of our injury situation, we have no cap space remaining, so we can’t sign anybody — our Americans. One of the things is the distinction in the tax laws. For Canadian players, it doesn’t matter if you get an advance on your contract or signing bonus, so in the case of Jason Clermont, we signed him but he got an advance on his contract in January. For Americans, because the tax rate is much lower, if they get a signing bonus then it has to be based on the date the contract’s signed. With Jason, we were able to sign him in December but put the payment in January. With American players, we can’t sign them until January, so I think you’ll see several announcements in the New Year. Yet, there’s going to be some change. There will be some attrition with free-agency. It’s reality. When you have a good football team and you have as many good players as we do, other people take notice. In a salary-cap era, as we’ve seen already in B.C., there’s going to be change on an annual basis.’’
What’s the organization’s thoughts on Richie Hall leaving? “Obviously, it’s a day of mixed emotions. Richie is somebody we care about deeply and we’re happy for him on a personal basis. At the same time, there’s a real sense of sadness for us because we’re losing a member of the family — someone who has been part of the fabric of Saskatchewan Roughriders football for so long. He’s meant so much to this province in so many ways, on and off the field. As I said to someone earlier, you hear the term ‘good man’ thrown around a lot in today’s society, but Richie Hall is the epitome of a good man. He’s as fine a person as you’ll meet. I know that Edmonton has hired a quality football coach and a good person and he will lead the organization with class and dignity.’’Was it a matter of time that somebody was going to make this call to Richie?
“Richie’s an experienced coach, a good person, and he has knocked on the door for a long time. I can understand Edmonton’s attraction to him. It’s also a compliment to our organization. The hunter has become the hunted. The last time this organization won this many games in two years was 1969 and 1970. We are no longer the lovable losers. This is a pre-eminent organization that other people look to with respect. They look to our coaches, as we saw with the loss of Mike Gibson last week, and as we saw with Richie today. We intend to stay where we are
in terms of the respect that we’ve earned over the last couple of years. It’s just reality in the new world order. When you’re successful, people come after your people. We’re happy for Richie and we wish him the best — obviously, except when he plays us. Life goes on.’’What’s the process going to be to find his replacement?
“Kenny’s on vacation right now. We spoke last night a couple of times, anticipating the possibility of this. You always prepare for the worst-case scenario in this business, knowing that Richie could either get this job or the one in Toronto. We have a plan in place, but I think it’s best for Kenny to speak to that as opposed to me.
’’Do you have to look very far, in that Gary Etcheverry is already employed here and has been a defensive co-ordinator various times in the CFL? “Gary is an outstanding coach. Our players have a lot of confidence in him. They have expressed that multiple times. He and Richie are very close. I know Richie was thrilled when he came aboard. As to what final decision will be made, I think Kenny should speak to that.
’’You’re one of the people who has gone through the head-coaching interviewing process with Richie. Why has it taken him so long? “There’s no magical formula to it. A lot of times, everything’s situational. Sometimes it’s based on relationships. Sometimes it’s based on what people need. I think, historically, there has probably been more of a focus on the offensive side of the ball than defence in this league. I have not adhered to that. I hired Dave Ritchie and gave him his first head-coaching opportunity. I think maybe it’s because Richie is not a flashy guy. We’re in an era of style. Richie is probably more substance than style, so I don’t know how well he interviews, but I know what he’s like on a day-to-day basis and I think he’ll do an outstanding job. I know he’s excited. I’m sure it’s mixed emotions for him. He called me last night and we talked. He called me about 11:30 or 12 and apologized. We talked extensively. He has strong feelings for this place, but all coaches, in the right circumstance, aspire to be head coaches — not all, but most. I think this is something where he felt he was ready to make the next step. It’s going to be a challenge for him, and it will be a challenge for us. The West Division just got stronger, as if we needed it to.
’’With key free agents in the linebacking corps, is there concern with people following Richie? “I’m sure there will be some losses. I don’t think there’s any question about that. But I think if you look at our club two years ago, John Chick, Renauld Williams, Lance Frazier, Weston Dressler, Wes Cates and a whole bunch of guys weren’t here. I think if this regime has proved anything, it’s that we can find good football players, so we would like to retain as many guys as we can. In the real world, had Richie stayed, we still would have had attrition. But, sure, when you have a man of his character with the relationship he has with his players, it’s going to have an impact. Football’s no different than life. Sometimes you have to react to change, and we’ll go forward. We didn’t anticipate the injuries that we had last year and we reacted, so we’ll do the same thing in this circumstance.
’’Did you ever consider making a counter-offer or, because it was a head-coaching position, did you know it was something you couldn’t match? “At the end of the season, I sat down with Richie before Toronto and Edmonton called and offered him a two-year extension — and a very attractive extension. I think one thing should be pointed out. We say we don’t read the newspapers or listen, but we do. The only difference is whether we’re honest with you guys or not. Some people say they never listen to the media, and they’re absolute liars. We understand what’s being said. I heard a guy last night on the radio — I was in the car — saying that I hadn’t shown Richie respect if he went to Edmonton, and that’s just patently absurb. When I took this job, Richie was the lowest-paid defensive co-ordinator in the league. In fact, we had the lowest-paid group of assistant coaches in the league. One of the pre-conditions of me taking the job was that we alter that appreciably. Richie, in two seasons, had gone from being the lowest-paid defensive co-ordinator in the league to being in the top-three-paid assistant coaches on either side of the ball in the league, and we offered him a two-year extension with another raise. So he has been very well-compensated. He was very appreciative of that. It’s just an opportunity for him to be a head coach. He was unbelievably gracious in his phone call earlier today. He enjoys tremendous respect from this organization and this province.
’’He was considered twice here for the head-coaching job. Was there something that deterred you from promoting him here? “There’s no way to answer that question without it sounding negative. Sometimes there’s not a right or wrong choice. There are multiple good choices. I think if you look at the success of the last two years — 24 wins in two seasons — that there was a lot right with Ken Miller and Kent Austin, so I’d answer it that way. Do I think that Richie’s capable of being a head coach? Yes, I do. I’ve said that multiple times, and I’m happy for him. But I think if you look at our success over the last couple of years, it speaks for itself, given that it had only been since ’69 or ’70 since it had been paralleled. That’s quite a while. In fact, some people in this scrum weren’t born yet.’’Will Ron Estay be back? “Right now, our focus is on Ron and his health. Ron’s a guy who we care about deeply and we love. Football’s way, way, way down the list of priorities right now. We want to be supportive of Ron and this organization’s going to continue to take care of him and be good to him. Whether or not he coaches really is not of significance right now. We just ask that our fans keep him in their thoughts and prayers.
’’Do you have a particular timeline when you want a defensive co-ordinator and even someone to replace Mike Gibson as well? “We’re well along the way in both processes, but I think there’s a proper protocol, and Kenny would speak to that. We’re well down the road in both paths. We’ve anticipated both situations. Mike was under contract, but knew that there was a possibility that he could become an offensive co-ordinator. We gave him permission to go. It was something that he wanted to pursue. Obviously, I know Marcel (Bellefeuille) quite well. The day that we gave him permission, we started planning for the next (step). You’d have to be deaf, dumb, blind and stupid to not realize that the thing with Richie might happen, given the interest in Toronto and Edmonton. We’re well-prepared and we’ll make the announcements at whatever time frame is appropriate.
’’Given the rivalry and as much as people like Richie, are there people who might not forgive him for going to Edmonton? “I think people will always love Richie here. He’s earned that. If it’s possible, I think it will take a little edge off the rivalry. It will be strong, but I think it will be a little more respectful because of the respect that people have for Richie Hall. We’ll still bring the same intensity to the field. Friendships don’t change. Rivalries don’t, either . . . Richie’s always going to be a part of this family. Ron Lancaster went to Edmonton and went to Hamilton, yet he was always part of our family. There are a special few who connect at an elite level with this franchise, with these people, and Richie certainly has earned his place at that elite level. It’s not just because of what he has accomplished as a player and a coach, but because he really invested in the community and gave a lot back. I know part of his heart will always remain here. He’ll always be welcomed here. I think it will change the rivalry a little bit, just in terms of its tone. I don’t think the hate will be there, but the passion won’t change. Let’s be very clear. Over the last couple of years, I think we’ve gone a long way toward changing the way this organization is seen or perceived. Our goal is to win championships. Our goal is to get home playoff games. And that won’t change. We’ll line up and look forward to the challenges in 2009.
’’How goes the battle with free agents? Are you making progress in trying to re-sign any of them? “Yeah, we have. One of the things right now that is complicated — and maybe everyone’s not aware of this — is the league rule that any contracts that are signed during the calendar year of 2008 count against the 2008 cap. Obviously, because of our injury situation, we have no cap space remaining, so we can’t sign anybody — our Americans. One of the things is the distinction in the tax laws. For Canadian players, it doesn’t matter if you get an advance on your contract or signing bonus, so in the case of Jason Clermont, we signed him but he got an advance on his contract in January. For Americans, because the tax rate is much lower, if they get a signing bonus then it has to be based on the date the contract’s signed. With Jason, we were able to sign him in December but put the payment in January. With American players, we can’t sign them until January, so I think you’ll see several announcements in the New Year. Yet, there’s going to be some change. There will be some attrition with free-agency. It’s reality. When you have a good football team and you have as many good players as we do, other people take notice. In a salary-cap era, as we’ve seen already in B.C., there’s going to be change on an annual basis.’’
RICHIE HALL INTRODUCED AS ESKIMO COACH
REGINA -- Richie Hall called it a bittersweet day to be leaving the Saskatchewan Roughriders to become the new head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos.
But he will be taking a piece of his former team with him.
But he will be taking a piece of his former team with him.
“The reason why I feel I’m here is because of the play of the players over the last seven or eight years,” Hall said during a conference call from Edmonton on Wednesday. “What we want to do here is a carry-over of what we’ve done in Saskatchewan for the last number of years, whether it’s speed, whether it’s attitude or getting to the football. That’s an identity we had and that’s an identity we want to continue in Edmonton. Our defence will be very -- I don’t want to say blueprinted -- but very influenced by what we’ve done with the Green and White over the years. We’re going to make that part of the Green and Gold.”
Hall spent close to 20 years with the Roughriders as a player and coach. He joined the team as a defensive back in 1988 and over the next four seasons was twice named a West Division all-star and shared in the 1989 Grey Cup victory. He rejoined the team as a defensive assistant in 1994 before being promoted to defensive co-ordinator in 2001 and earning a second Grey Cup ring in 2007.
Through that time, Hall became a fixture in the Saskatchewan sporting community, appearing at numerous charity events over the years, including his annual golf tournament in Yorkton.
“It’s a place I’ve been for the last 20 years, but at the same time, all good things must end,” said Hall. “This was a great opportunity for myself. It’s a bittersweet day for me personally because I’m very elated to be the head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos but at the same time I’m very sad to be leaving. The Saskatchewan people have been very supportive of the organization as well as myself for many years. I’m going to miss those fans, but at the same time, this is a new chapter in my life and I’m looking forward to the challenge that presents itself.”
“It’s a place I’ve been for the last 20 years, but at the same time, all good things must end,” said Hall. “This was a great opportunity for myself. It’s a bittersweet day for me personally because I’m very elated to be the head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos but at the same time I’m very sad to be leaving. The Saskatchewan people have been very supportive of the organization as well as myself for many years. I’m going to miss those fans, but at the same time, this is a new chapter in my life and I’m looking forward to the challenge that presents itself.”
Hall was interviewed for the head coaching position last week -- his seventh such interview since 2004 -- before the announcement was made Wednesday. Hall was in a group of four finalists that included Eskimos assistant Noel Thorpe, Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall and B.C. Lions defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides.
While Eskimos general manager and director of football operations Danny Maciocia -- who relinquished the coaching reigns Nov. 27 -- talked to a lot of people before coming to a decision, he’s didn’t have to go far for some advice.
“(I went to quarterbacks) Ricky Ray and Jason Maas and asked them, ‘Who is the toughest guy to go up against on the defensive side of the ball?’ It was unanimous and that was Richie’s name,” said Maciocia. “At the same time, we weren’t just looking for a football coach. You can make an argument that all of the people I interviewed are all qualified football coaches. We were also looking for an individual who possesses those skills as far as what he brings off the field:
What can he do in the community? How are his people skills? Can he rally people? One of his strengths that caught my attention is that people enjoyed playing for him.”
That fact could mean stiff competition for the Roughriders in the free-agent market. All three of Saskatchewan’s 2008 starting linebackers -- Maurice Lloyd, Anton McKenzie and Sean Lucas -- are set to become free agents in February.
That fact could mean stiff competition for the Roughriders in the free-agent market. All three of Saskatchewan’s 2008 starting linebackers -- Maurice Lloyd, Anton McKenzie and Sean Lucas -- are set to become free agents in February.
“I’m sure there will be some losses,” said Saskatchewan general manager Eric Tillman. “In the real world, had Richie stayed, we still would have had attrition. But, sure, when you have a man of his character with the relationship he has with his players, it’s going to have an impact.”
Hall had been interviewed -- and passed over -- for head coaching positions so many times before that he was beginning to think it might not happen for him.
Hall had been interviewed -- and passed over -- for head coaching positions so many times before that he was beginning to think it might not happen for him.
“I thought it intrigued (Maciocia) enough to at least want to talk to me again,” Hall said with a chuckle. “When he offered it to me, it was a no-brainer. It was something I never dreamed of.”
Now the challenge is to parlay his success as a co-ordinator into success as a head coach. Hall, who has not yet settled on a staff but plans to talk to those inside and outside the organization about jobs, does not plan to take on the role of defensive co-ordinator with the Eskimos.
Now the challenge is to parlay his success as a co-ordinator into success as a head coach. Hall, who has not yet settled on a staff but plans to talk to those inside and outside the organization about jobs, does not plan to take on the role of defensive co-ordinator with the Eskimos.
“I will be able to provide some guidance to the defensive coaches given that the foundation will be what we’ve done for the last number of years (in Saskatchewan),” said Hall. “I will have some influence over the defence, but my job is to be the head coach.”
ETCHEVERRY WANTS TO BE CIS HEAD COACH
REGINA -- Gary Etcheverry would appear to be the logical candidate to succeed Richie Hall as the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive co-ordinator.
After all, Etcheverry is already an assistant coach on the Roughriders’ staff -- and he has also served as a CFL defensive co-ordinator with the Toronto Argonauts (in 1999), Saskatchewan (2000), B.C. Lions (2001) and Ottawa Renegades (2004).
So why shouldn’t Etcheverry be next in line now that Hall -- the Roughriders’ defensive co-ordinator for the past eight seasons -- is now the Edmonton Eskimos’ head coach?
That question was put to Etcheverry, who indicated that his primary objective is to become a head coach in Canadian university football.
“If I can’t become a CIS head coach, then I’ll talk to the people who want to have those conversations, provided they want to have those conversations,’’ Etcheverry said Wednesday, when Hall’s hiring was announced in Edmonton.
That question was put to Etcheverry, who indicated that his primary objective is to become a head coach in Canadian university football.
“If I can’t become a CIS head coach, then I’ll talk to the people who want to have those conversations, provided they want to have those conversations,’’ Etcheverry said Wednesday, when Hall’s hiring was announced in Edmonton.
Etcheverry’s possible candidacy was raised with Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman, in the absence of vacationing head coach Ken Miller.
“Gary is an outstanding coach,’’ Tillman said. “Our players have a lot of confidence in him. They have expressed that multiple times. He and Richie are very close. I know Richie was thrilled when he came aboard. As to what final decision will be made, I think Kenny should speak to that.’’
“Gary is an outstanding coach,’’ Tillman said. “Our players have a lot of confidence in him. They have expressed that multiple times. He and Richie are very close. I know Richie was thrilled when he came aboard. As to what final decision will be made, I think Kenny should speak to that.’’
The Roughriders are faced with replacing at least two assistant coaches. Last week, offensive line coach Mike Gibson left to become the offensive co-ordinator with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“We’re well along the way in both processes, but I think there’s a proper protocol, and Kenny would speak to that,’’ Tillman said.
“We’re well along the way in both processes, but I think there’s a proper protocol, and Kenny would speak to that,’’ Tillman said.
The California-born Etcheverry, meanwhile, was more than happy to address his interest in coaching collegiately.
“I have failed in communicating to the football universe in Canada, which I realize is pretty small, that what I really want to be is a university head coach,’’ he said. “That’s really what I want to do. It’s independent of compensation. It’s independent of virtually anything else. I believe it’s my niche.
“I have failed in communicating to the football universe in Canada, which I realize is pretty small, that what I really want to be is a university head coach,’’ he said. “That’s really what I want to do. It’s independent of compensation. It’s independent of virtually anything else. I believe it’s my niche.
“I have simply failed over the better part of the last six-plus years to accomplish that goal. I will some day. I just don’t know when it is.’’
Etcheverry has been a finalist for a handful of CIS head-coaching jobs in recent years, but to no avail. He was the defensive co-ordinator with the UBC Thunderbirds in 2005.
Most recently, Etcheverry has applied for the vacant head-coaching position at St. Francis Xavier.
Etcheverry has been a finalist for a handful of CIS head-coaching jobs in recent years, but to no avail. He was the defensive co-ordinator with the UBC Thunderbirds in 2005.
Most recently, Etcheverry has applied for the vacant head-coaching position at St. Francis Xavier.
“As I submit my materials, I highlight a paragraph which basically says that my short-term and long-term goal is to be a CIS head coach where football can be seen as co-curricular and not extra-curricular in a Canadian university,’’ he said. “I’m very specific about that.
“I came here with the understanding that the club, and in particular Eric and Ken, would do everything they could to help me realize my goal. That’s where my interest lies.’’
Etcheverry rejoined the Roughriders in 2008 as a defensive assistant, helping out in various capacities. He turned more of his attention to coaching the defensive line while Ron Estay, who is responsible for that position, confronted cancer.
“It was also helpful that Ron was able to make guest appearances every so often,’’ said Etcheverry, 52. “That’s what I did this year, and then I did other duties, not only for the defence but for the club, and we’ll leave those without detail.’’
Estay’s involvement with the team was curtailed in late September due to his battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Estay’s involvement with the team was curtailed in late September due to his battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
“Right now, our focus is on Ron and his health,’’ Tillman said. “Ron’s a guy who we care about deeply and we love. Football’s way, way, way down the list of priorities right now. We want to be supportive of Ron and this organization’s going to continue to take care of him and be good to him.
“Whether or not he coaches really is not of significance right now. We just ask that our fans keep him in their thoughts and prayers.’’
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
GOODBY RITCHIE
Eskimos to unveil Richie Hall as their new head football coach EDMONTON
- Richie Hall is going to finally get his shot to be a CFL head coach. Two league sources requesting anonymity told The Canadian Press that Hall has been hired as the new head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos. The CFL team will make it official at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
Hall got the job after being placed on a short list along with B.C. Lions defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides, Eskimos assistant coach Noel Thorpe and Greg Marshall, who was the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' defensive co-ordinator last season. Hall spent the last 15 seasons as a coach with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the last eight as the club's defensive co-ordinator. A former CFL player, Hall is respected throughout the league for being a classy gentleman off the field and a bright defensive mind on it. He orchestrated a Riders defence that helped the team win a Grey Cup title in 2007 - its first since 1989 - and finish second in the West Division this past season despite a rash of injuries. Hall had interviewed for a number of head-coaching vacancies in the CFL, but had always been bypassed. (The Canadian Press)
at 12/17/2008 16 comments
ESKS CLOSE TO NAMING HEAD COACH
Is Richie Hall about to be named the Edmonton Eskimos' newhead coach?
There is growing speculation that suggests the SaskatchewanRoughriders defensive co-ordinator is in the driver's seatin the race to be the club's next bench boss.
In fact, two sources believe Hall will be hired rathersoon.
"Danny (Maciocia) and Richie have really hit it off," saidone source.
"Plus, (Maciocia) knows that it will cripple one of hisopponents (the Roughriders)."
"And Richie will have some pretty damn good players followhim over from Saskatchewan."
However, only Maciocia - the Esks new GM - knows who thefront-running candidate is.
Maciocia has kept relatively quiet during the search andthere is no way to sense which way he's leaning.
But an announcement could come as early as this afternoon.
Current Edmonton assistant coach Noel Thorpe is the otherprime candidate.
B.C. Lions defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides is not inthe mix, according to a source.
"It won't be Benny," he remarked. "If Danny wants a younggun, it will be Noel."
Thorpe is clearly a head coach in waiting in the CFL.
An excellent communicator with respect in the locker room,Thorpe is a known commodity.
That is a big plus for the straight-shooting Canuck.
Given the respect Maciocia has for Thorpe, it wouldn't be asurprise to see the Esks stay in-house and give Thorpe thejob.
But multiple sources are favouring Hall in this race.
There is an outside shot Greg Marshall - Winnipeg'sdefensive co-ordinator - could be the longshot winner.
But a source within the Eskimos poured cold water on thatnotion last night.
If Hall is announced as head coach, there will be immediatespeculation on his assistant coaching staff.
There will also be speculation on how long Thorpe willremain with the Eskimos.
While nobody is suggesting Thorpe wouldn't return in 2009in an assistant coaching capacity - if unsuccessful in thehead coach derby - it's fair to suggest he will likely beon the radar of the next team searching for a head coachafter the start of next year.
If the Eskimos pass over Thorpe in this search, will theclub eventually lose him to another CFL team looking for arising star?
Is that a risk the Esks want to take?
(Courtesy, The Edmonton Sun)
- Richie Hall is going to finally get his shot to be a CFL head coach. Two league sources requesting anonymity told The Canadian Press that Hall has been hired as the new head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos. The CFL team will make it official at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
Hall got the job after being placed on a short list along with B.C. Lions defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides, Eskimos assistant coach Noel Thorpe and Greg Marshall, who was the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' defensive co-ordinator last season. Hall spent the last 15 seasons as a coach with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the last eight as the club's defensive co-ordinator. A former CFL player, Hall is respected throughout the league for being a classy gentleman off the field and a bright defensive mind on it. He orchestrated a Riders defence that helped the team win a Grey Cup title in 2007 - its first since 1989 - and finish second in the West Division this past season despite a rash of injuries. Hall had interviewed for a number of head-coaching vacancies in the CFL, but had always been bypassed. (The Canadian Press)
at 12/17/2008 16 comments
ESKS CLOSE TO NAMING HEAD COACH
Is Richie Hall about to be named the Edmonton Eskimos' newhead coach?
There is growing speculation that suggests the SaskatchewanRoughriders defensive co-ordinator is in the driver's seatin the race to be the club's next bench boss.
In fact, two sources believe Hall will be hired rathersoon.
"Danny (Maciocia) and Richie have really hit it off," saidone source.
"Plus, (Maciocia) knows that it will cripple one of hisopponents (the Roughriders)."
"And Richie will have some pretty damn good players followhim over from Saskatchewan."
However, only Maciocia - the Esks new GM - knows who thefront-running candidate is.
Maciocia has kept relatively quiet during the search andthere is no way to sense which way he's leaning.
But an announcement could come as early as this afternoon.
Current Edmonton assistant coach Noel Thorpe is the otherprime candidate.
B.C. Lions defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides is not inthe mix, according to a source.
"It won't be Benny," he remarked. "If Danny wants a younggun, it will be Noel."
Thorpe is clearly a head coach in waiting in the CFL.
An excellent communicator with respect in the locker room,Thorpe is a known commodity.
That is a big plus for the straight-shooting Canuck.
Given the respect Maciocia has for Thorpe, it wouldn't be asurprise to see the Esks stay in-house and give Thorpe thejob.
But multiple sources are favouring Hall in this race.
There is an outside shot Greg Marshall - Winnipeg'sdefensive co-ordinator - could be the longshot winner.
But a source within the Eskimos poured cold water on thatnotion last night.
If Hall is announced as head coach, there will be immediatespeculation on his assistant coaching staff.
There will also be speculation on how long Thorpe willremain with the Eskimos.
While nobody is suggesting Thorpe wouldn't return in 2009in an assistant coaching capacity - if unsuccessful in thehead coach derby - it's fair to suggest he will likely beon the radar of the next team searching for a head coachafter the start of next year.
If the Eskimos pass over Thorpe in this search, will theclub eventually lose him to another CFL team looking for arising star?
Is that a risk the Esks want to take?
(Courtesy, The Edmonton Sun)
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