Coaching crisis in the league?
Courtesy Regina Leader Post:
Coach-of-the-year Kent Austin wasn’t the only familiar face missing when the league’s coaches held meetings during the past few days at the CFL Congress.
Austin was named the CFL’s top coach Wednesday for leading the Roughriders to the 2007 Grey Cup, rekindling questions about how the CFL is going to recruit and retain promising coaches.
Four of the league’s eight teams have new coaches this year, so the turnover should be a concern for anyone trying to replace vibrant young talents like Austin, a 44-year-old who was subsequently invited to become the University of Mississippi’s offensive co-ordinator.
“Whether I like what Kent did or not, whether I agree with it or not, that’s not the issue,” said B.C. Lions general manager/head coach Wally Buono, whose 216 regular-season victories put him second to Don Matthews’ 231 on the alltime list.
“I understand what he did. Here’s a young, dynamic coach. Now we’ve lost him. Will he ever return? I don’t think so. He’s too sharp.
“Money is one thing. The league can only pay so much. You have to also say, ‘OK, what security, or what other things can we provide?’ Not everybody wants the rat race (in U.S. college and pro ranks). This league allows you to do what you want, to coach.”
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