Nov
The search begins in Edmonton for a new Head Coach
Courtesy Edmonton Journal:
The Edmonton Eskimos wasted little time in contacting prospective replacements at head coach.
Greg Marshall, a former Esks assistant who was passed over in favor of Danny Maciocia for the Edmonton job in 2004, did receive a call Thursday.
Marshall, a Winnipeg Blue Bombers assistant who resides in St. Albert, said that, from the conversation he had with Maciocia, he believes he’ll be a candidate.
“Yes, I’d be interested. Yes, we can work together,” said Marshall, in a brief conversation.
There will be others rumoured to be Maciocia’s successor, including recently fired Bombers head coach Doug Berry — one of Maciocia’s best friends — and defensive co-ordinators Richie Hall of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Chris Jones of the Calgary Stampeders.
“That’s why you do this job, to try and put yourself in position to (be a head coach), but I would rather not comment until I do talk to someone,” said Jones, obviously not wanting to jeopardize his job with the Grey Cup champions.
Others believe Esks offensive co-ordinator Rick Worman may have an opportunity. Maciocia, who officially moved up to the general manager and director of football operations post on Thursday, did state he has opened the position up to all the current assistants. But a source from inside said the hiring will likely come from outside.
Maciocia did confirm that none of the assistants’ jobs were totally safe, although it’s hard to believe he would blow up all his work from last year. As for replacements, he had his opinions.
“I think he’s an outstanding football coach, someone I’ve known for years,” said Maciocia of Berry, who has moved to the Florida area. “I think he did an outstanding job in Winnipeg. I don’t think he should have lost his job over the season he had, considering the last three years he took them to the playoffs and two years ago he took them to the Grey Cup with a backup quarterback.”
“I don’t know what he’s even thinking,” Maciocia said of Berry. “I know if I’m him, I’m not even sure if I want to get back into the circus.”
Hall’s name has come up as a possible CFL head coaching replacement for years and he’s already talked to Toronto about the Argos’ vacant position. Hall interviewed here in Edmonton in 2004 when Maciocia was hired.
“Richie, since I’ve been out West and we play him three or four times a year, he’s a pain to play against,” said Maciocia. “He does an outstanding job with what they do on defence. They are very active, very physical, they buy into what he’s trying to do, and they’re disciplined.
“I know every time there is a job open, his name comes up. He’s been given endless amounts of interviews; unfortunately, he’s come up short, but he’s a viable guy out there.”
