Kelly touted as top candidate for Bomber post

The Winnipeg Blue Bomber coaching-candidate carousel is already spinning so quickly the thing is smoking.

And while rampant speculation has it stopping on Mike Kelly‘s name — the former Bomber offensive co-ordinator and current receivers coach with the Edmonton Eskimos — the coaching-search game will likely be played at least through next week and into the end of the month. Besides, not only is there a moratorium on coaching change/hiring announcements during next week’s Grey Cup festivities, Bomber president Lyle Bauer hasn’t even started formal interviews yet. Of course, that hasn’t stopped many outlets from speculating Kelly as the Bombers new GM and head coach.

"They don’t know anything," said Bauer Wednesday night. "There are several potential candidates, some are still working and it wouldn’t be appropriate to cause a stir when they have important games ahead."

Mind you, Kelly’s name has long been associated with any Bomber coaching vacancy since his days as the offensive co-ordinator here from 1992-96 and a period when the club set 29 club records.

After leaving the Bombers he became the head coach at Valdosta State University, was the offensive co-ordinator of the XFL’s Orlando Rage before working in the personnel departments of the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.

Kelly, whose Eskimo squad meets the Montreal Alouettes in Saturday’s East final, replied to an interview request by the Free Press with this e-mail on Wednesday: "Political correctness 101: I am currently the receivers coach for the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club and my focus is on this Saturday’s divisional championship. Love, Mike."

Other candidates who may be considered include (in no particular order):

Mike Benevides — Currently B.C. Lions defensive co-ordinator/linebackers coach.

The skinny on Benevides: Up-and-coming workaholic-type, very popular with his players. Also seen as a possible candidate for the Argonauts head-coaching vacancy.

Greg Marshall — Currently Bombers defensive co-ordinator.

The skinny on Marshall: Also super-respected by his troops; chances may be hindered if club opts to completely clean house.

Chris Jones — Currently Stampeders defensive co-ordinator/assistant director, player personnel.

The skinny on Jones: Took over the Stampeder defence that finished dead last in ’07 and turned into a power. Surrendered the fewest points this year at 21.5 per game.

George Cortez — Currently Stampeders associate head coach/offensive co-ordinator.

The skinny on Cortez: Calgary finished second in scoring as Cortez and GM/head coach John Hufnagel brought the best out of QB Henry Burris.

Tom Clements — Currently Green Bay Packers QBs coach.

The skinny on Clements: May not consider leaving NFL gig to come north. Hall of fame QB and former Bomber would be popular choice.

Richie Hall — Currently: Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive co-ordinator.

The skinny on Hall: Another player-coach adored by his troops. Like Marshall, he was interviewed by the Bombers in December of ’05 before the club selected Doug Berry.

Rick Worman — Currently Edmonton Eskimos offensive co-ordinator.

The skinny on Worman: Was the offensive boss here in 2001 when the Bombers went 14-4 and appeared in the Grey Cup. Getting a lot of credit, along with Kelly, for revamping and breathing new life into the Esks’ attack this year.