Look for Redblacks to find a new head coach within the next two weeks

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After opening interviews for the vacant head coaching position a few days ago, the Ottawa Redblacks hope to have the new player in place within the next two weeks.

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Some of the names on Ottawa’s talk list: Redblacks interim head coach/special teams coordinator Bob Dyce, Calgary Stampeders assistant head coach/special teams coordinator Mark Killam, quarterback coach Mark Mueller, defense. Coordinator Brent Monson, Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive coordinator Mark Washington, Toronto Argos defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Cory Mace, and former Montreal Alouette head coach Kari Jones. Not on the list: Former Redblacks offensive coordinator Jason Maas (former Edmonton head coach, Saskatchewan offensive coordinator the last two seasons) and former Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris (Jacksonville Jaguars offense). quality control coach).

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“We don’t have a definite timeline, but within CFL rules, we have to do it in a tight timeframe of about two weeks[after interviewing the first candidate],” said Sean Burke, Redblacks general manager. said Thursday. “It’s my first time[hiring a head coach]. Everyone we interview is worthy of an interview and someone we would consider hiring.”

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Asked if he would give an opinion on who the senior management of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group would hire, Burke said, “My decision as general manager is 100%.”

The Montreal Alouettes are also looking for head coach Danny Maciocia, who returned to full-time general manager role early last season to replace Kari Jones, but Burke said he doesn’t see it as competition.

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“We’re only concerned about the Ottawa Redblacks,” Burke said. Go through the process without feeling pressured by anyone, see how it evolves and go from there.”

The Redblacks have gone 6-22 over two seasons under head coach/offensive coordinator Paul Lapolis, who was hired prior to the canceled 2020 CFL season. LaPolice was sacked after his 3-11 start last season. Under Lapolis, the Redblacks have won 3 and lost 11 in his 2021 season of 14 games.

TSN’s Farhan Lalji reported that the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who are looking for an offensive coordinator, wanted to talk to Lapolis.

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It’s hard to blame the fans for being dissatisfied with the Redblacks’ performance since their appearance in the 2018 Gray Cup. did not. But Burke said he doesn’t feel pressured. He believes it’s an opportunity to find someone who can help the team move forward.

“As an organization, we are very prepared for this process,” said Burke. “(Assistant GM) Jeremy Snyder, (Professional Talent Director) Brendan Tamann and I have put together a thorough process that we believe will lead to candidates…so don’t be nervous. When given the opportunity to make a choice, we feel and are excited to take the organization in a different direction and to be able to meet some of the greatest football minds and hear what they think. I am looking forward to

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“We are looking for a leader who can inspire a group of men and inspire a sustainable culture in our room for years to come. We are looking for a coach who can come and go and who can manage all aspects of CFL football in terms of in-game decision-making and more.”

Asked if the team is specifically looking for a head coach who doesn’t have a coordinator role, Burke said: That’s why we have interviews. I wouldn’t say it was a success or a failure. But it’s definitely part of the discussion. ”

There are several potential free agents on last year’s roster, but Burke said no decision will be made before a new head coach is hired.

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“I don’t think you can bring the head coach in and not have him in the decision-making process for the players,” Burke said. It’s a lot different than last year when the head coach was retained, and we also have a different cap situation (salary) than last year, we’ve publicly said we don’t have cap money (it’s available). We’ve spent on caps, and with the timeline for hiring a head coach, free agency will be months away from re-signing (CFL free agency starts Feb. 14). We’ve never been worried about our organization being able to recruit players, and I think we’re in a very good position.”