Courtesy Regina Leader Post:

Eric Tillman should be an automatic selection for CFL executive-of-the-year honours.

There is only one problem: The league does not present such an award.

That is especially unfortunate when you consider the case of Tillman, who played such an invaluable role in the Roughriders’ rapid ascent.

The Roughriders’ first full year under Tillman — who succeeded deposed general manager Roy Shivers on Aug. 23, 2006 — was punctuated by only the third Grey Cup title in franchise history.

From the outset, Tillman declared that the Roughriders’ only goal was to capture an elusive CFL championship, and that anything less would be deemed insufficient. The same mindset was espoused by head coach Kent Austin, who was Tillman’s most important and most inspired hiring.

Tillman and Austin spearheaded a philosophical change on the Riders’ football-operations side. No longer was it palatable to simply make the playoffs or reach the West Division final.

At the outset, it sounded impressive and refreshing. But was it realistic?

After all, the Roughriders faced a variety of impediments as the 2007 season loomed. Tillman’s first priority was to deal with a swollen payroll at a time when the CFL was finally enforcing a salary cap (with $4.05 million being the magic figure). As a result, Tillman had to pare over $600,000 from the payroll.

Complicating matters, the Roughriders learned in January that their most outstanding player in 2006 — tailback Kenton Keith — had exercised the option-year escape clause in his CFL contract and signed with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, with whom he remains.

Austin had been intrigued by the notion of deploying the explosive Keith. Under Austin, Keith would likely have exceeded the 1,000-yard mark in rushing and receiving. His departure created a significant void.

While Keith was entertaining NFL options, the Edmonton Eskimos were preparing to overpay for cornerback Omarr Morgan. Once the free-agency period began in mid-February, the Roughriders would lose two mainstays from their secondary — Morgan (to Edmonton) and Davin Bush (to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers).

Tillman was handcuffed during the free-agency period because of the need to restructure existing contracts. In a move that required considerable delicacy, Tillman was able to sell quarterback Kerry Joseph on the notion of a substantial pay reduction.

Joseph agreed to accept salaries of $225,000 in 2007 and 2008, when he was to make $350,000 and $375,000. Such a proposal, if mishandled, could have left the Roughriders scrambling for a starting quarterback.

Instead, Joseph accepted the reduced wages. He was not elated with the situation, and for good reason, but made personal sacrifices for the greater good.

And that epitomized the attitude that helped the 2007 Roughriders become champions.

The team was not laden with superstars. Yes, Joseph was named the league’s outstanding player, but he did not boast eye-popping statistics. Neither did anyone, for that matter.

Joseph exemplified the team-first attitude that was instilled by Austin and Tillman. Those two gentlemen were also unwavering as they defined the team’s objectives and principles.

The fans bought in as quickly as did the players. That was evident when the Roughriders sold out their preseason opener. Seven more sellouts ensued. People who felt disenfranchised during the Shivers/Barrett era quickly embraced the new-look Roughriders.

Shivers had provided the Roughriders with plenty of talent. Austin and his staff provided improved coaching.

Although Shivers left an imprint, it should be noted that half of the Riders’ starting lineup differed from 2006.

Tillman made key deals that brought receiver D.J. Flick, offensive linemen Wayne Smith and Jermese Jones, and tailback Wes Cates to Saskatchewan. The Riders’ GM also recruited a defensive end named John Chick, who was simply unstoppable during a 23-19 Grey Cup victory over Winnipeg.

That long-awaited conquest cemented Austin’s status as coach-of-the-year. But some accolades should be reserved for the man who hired him.