Blue Bombers considering ex-Lion for offensive co-ordinator spot
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/12/2015 (3608 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The crazy season in the CFL — the annual shuffling of coaching jobs that begins after the Grey Cup — has spit out an intriguing name for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The B.C. Lions, in addition to announcing Wednesday Wally Buono would return to the sidelines and act as GM after Jeff Tedford resigned amid rumours he was heading back to the NCAA, also indicated veteran offensive co-ordinator George Cortez would not return in 2016.
It’s worth noting Cortez, even before the announcement, was already on the Bombers’ candidate wish list for their vacant offensive co-ordinator position.
So, too, is Bombers Hall of Famer Khari Jones, who spent last season as the Lions’ receivers coach. The Bombers would need permission from the Lions to speak with Jones, but are free to chat with Cortez now.
The Bombers have already begun the interview process for their offensive boss position and there are a number of candidates said to be on the list, including former head coach-turned-TSN analyst Paul LaPolice, Marcus Brady of the Toronto Argonauts, Jarious Jackson of the Edmonton Eskimos, Saskatchewan Roughriders interim head coach Bob Dyce and offensive coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine. Jason Maas, the Ottawa Redblacks offensive guru, has long been on Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea’s wish list but he could be a candidate for the Eskimos if their current head coach, Chris Jones, bolts to the Riders for a GM/head coach gig.
He’s also not going to make a lateral move unless it involves a promotion, such as an assistant head coach title.
All those candidates are likely watching to see what unfolds in Regina, but in Cortez, the Bombers have a candidate they can talk to now.
There is also a connection: Cortez was the Riders offensive co-ordinator in 2013-14, working one year with Drew Willy before the quarterback landed in Winnipeg.
And Willy’s possible endorsement — or a thumbs down — will play a significant role in who ends up in the job.
Cortez has 19 years experience in the CFL, beginning with the Montreal Concordes in 1984.
He has also worked for the Ottawa Rough Riders, Calgary Stampeders and Buffalo Bills before becoming the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ head coach in 2012.
He was fired by the Ticats after one season, having posted a 6-12 record, but has been a part of five Grey Cup championship teams, four with the Stamps (1992, 1998, 2001 and 2008) and one with the Riders (2013).
Twitter: @WFPEdTait
