Lionbackers.com

Garcia joined the coaching ranks only this season with Montreal, but made it clear to the Winnipeg Free Press that he would like a role beyond that of a quarterbacks coach.

“I want to be a head coach and I don’t necessarily think I need to be a co-ordinator first,” said Garcia, who got his break in pro football in 1994 when he succeeded Doug Flutie at quarterback for Buono’s Calgary Stampeders.

“I understand offence and I’m a leader. If Wally called, I’d definitely listen and be interested.”

Buono was reluctant to comment on the report or on any other candidate when contacted Monday. It was previously reported that the Lions may have interest in Garcia as an offensive co-ordinator.

Having Garcia as a potential head coaching option would give Buono his pick of at least one former Calgary quarterback, after a more experienced offensive strategist, Stampeders offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson, positioned himself last week towards staying alongside coach/GM John Hufnagel next season.

The former Lions quarterback, who is just finishing the first of a three-year contract to serve in Calgary as associate coach and heir apparent to Hufnagel, told the Calgary Sun he envisioned returning to the Stamps next season.

WestCoastJoe wrote:Not sure if Jeff Garcia will get his wish to be an instant Head Coach. Not saying he could not do it. But not many GMs would give the HC gig to a guy who has not even been an OC.

Again, I am not saying Garcia could not do it. It is "in the box" thinking to automatically write him off, IMO. I could trot out the standard thinking here, but I won't bother.

Garcia has played at the highest level in both the CFL and the NFL. Quarterbacks are pretty much like coaches on the field.

I can't see Wally taking that risky step of hiring Jeff Garcia as the Head Coach.

I would be delighted if we got him as OC.

I don't think Garcia would go for QB coach.
............

LaPolice and Garcia for the offence? Pretty hard to complain about that on the face of it.

...........

Keep looking Wally. Make a thorough search. All that rides on this choice is the future of the B.C. Lions.

South Pender wrote:“I want to be a head coach and I don’t necessarily think I need to be a co-ordinator first.” Wow! Overconfidence, arrogance? Put in one year as a QB coach and you're ready to head up the whole operation. Most would think he needs more time as a position coach before being considered for even a coordinator's position. A HC needs to have management skills--not merely good offensive (or defensive) instincts or experience. He needs to build a highly-functioning management team of coordinators and position coaches and possess administrative and planning/organizing ability. This takes time to develop by spending some time as a lesser component of a coaching team.

South Pender wrote:“I want to be a head coach and I don’t necessarily think I need to be a co-ordinator first.” Wow! Overconfidence, arrogance? Put in one year as a QB coach and you're ready to head up the whole operation. Most would think he needs more time as a position coach before being considered for even a coordinator's position. A HC needs to have management skills--not merely good offensive (or defensive) instincts or experience. He needs to build a highly-functioning management team of coordinators and position coaches and possess administrative and planning/organizing ability. This takes time to develop by spending some time as a lesser component of a coaching team.