Sep
Esks fire OC Worman
Courtesy Vancouver Province:
Rick Worman is out as the Edmonton Eskimos’ offensive co-ordinator.
“I felt a move was necessary because of philosophical differences in the direction we were taking with our offence,” Eskimos head coach Richie Hall said in a news release. “I thank Rick for his contributions and wish him the best in the future.”
Worman was named Edmonton’s quarterbacks coach in 2007 and added the role of offensive co-ordinator in 2008.
Hall is in his first year as the Eskimos head coach.
Kevin Strasser, who was hired just weeks ago to be the Eskimos’ senior offensive consultant, will replace Worman.
Strasser, who spent the past two seasons as receivers coach with the Portland State Vikings, got his start in the pro ranks as a receivers coach with the Eskimos in 2000 and 2001, then spent five seasons with the Montreal Alouettes (2002-06). In 2005 as the Alouettes’ offensive co-ordinator, Montreal led the CFL in points scored (592) and passing yards (5,556).
Strasser, 38, had been approached by the Eskimos in the off-season about the offensive co-ordinator job, but he chose to remain at Portland State.
Strasser was the Alouettes’ receivers coach from 2002-04 and offensive co-ordinator from 2005-06. Several receivers he coached reached became CFL all-stars, including Ed Hervey, Terry Vaughn, Kez McCorvey, Ben Cahoon, Pat Woodcock and Keith Stokes.
Worman spent six seasons in the CFL, mainly as a backup quarterback.
In 2001, he was the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ offensive co-ordinator, before taking the job as head coach of the Fresno Frenzy of the Arena Football League, where he coached current Eskimos starter Ricky Ray.
Worman, who was the Eskimos’ West Coast scout for years, joined the Eskimos’ coaching staff as quarterbacks coach in 2007 and was promoted to offensive co-ordinator the following season.
