Condell aware of importance of run game to Bombers offence

Tommy Condell has not made a name for himself in the CFL by running the football.

In nearly 11 years as an offensive co-ordinator in the three-down loop, he’s never once had a running back finish top three in rushing. To further add to that, his tailbacks have finished outside the top 10 in ground yards in half of those seasons.

That’s not going to fly in Winnipeg with running back Brady Oliveira making around $300,000 per year through 2028.

So, when Condell — who was officially announced as the new OC of the Bombers on Monday — sat down on Zoom with reporters on Tuesday, there was one obvious question: is his style the right fit for the Blue and Gold?

“I wouldn’t be in this position if I wasn’t adaptable and understand what players do best,” said Condell, who spent the past two seasons as the offensive co-ordinator of the Ottawa Redblacks.

“To be able to marry that run with the pass is going to be the key.”

It’ll also be key to try to squeeze more out of quarterback Zach Collaros who will turn 38 in August. Collaros is coming off back-to-back seasons with 17 touchdown passes and 15 or more interceptions.

The two worked together before back in their days with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2014-15) and the veteran pivot has always spoken highly of Condell.

“I wouldn’t be in this position if I wasn’t adaptable and understand what players do best.”

“He has a fire to always be great. And that chase of greatness takes place when no one else is watching,” said Condell.

“I don’t see his diminish of arm strength, I don’t see it as a diminish of talent and being able to move the pocket. I think the biggest thing that we’re going to have to be able to do and that’s going to be all throughout the offence is be able to take care of the football and protect the football.”

It’s a bit of a unique situation Condell is stepping into as the coach he’s replacing — Jason Hogan — is now his co-worker. Hogan, who struggled mightily in his lone season wearing the OC headset, has agreed to remain on staff as the running backs coach. It’s a position Hogan held for three years before his shortly lived promotion.

Condell has spoken with Hogan but didn’t want to divulge the details of those conversations.

“We wouldn’t be able to do this without the high character that Jason has and that speaks volumes for himself, and he needs to be praised for that,” said Condell.

“It’s not like I come down like Mount Sinai and I say ‘Hey, these are the things we’re gonna do this week.’ No, we’re gonna get in there together, build it together, and have a game plan collectively to know this is going to do what it takes to win this football game. And then we’re going to go try to execute it.”

BOMBERS RELEASE PARKER, SIGN QB

The Bombers released veteran defensive back Jamal Parker, Jr. on Tuesday.

Parker, who arrived in Winnipeg in 2022, missed all of 2024 with an ACL injury and was limited to 11 games in 2025. In 32 career games, the 27-year-old recorded 86 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and one touchdown while playing various spots in the secondary.

Parker was a pending free agent, and his release now gives him a head start on finding a new club. The Bombers also released receiver Cam Echols and signed quarterback Payton Thorne who split his five-year NCAA career between Michigan State and Auburn. Thorne spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals during training camp this season and threw for 41 yards on four completions in a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

In college, Thorne had 10,961 passing yards and 86 touchdowns, along with 1,068 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in 46 starts in 53 appearances.

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