Head Coach - Lions announce Jeff Tedford as 2015 HC

[South Pender]

I don't completely agree that the CFL has been loaded with coaches who are so ahead of the curve than our B.C. Lions. No question that Hufnagel is a very smart football coach. Dickenson was developed slowly and wisely under Hufnagel. Chris Jones did a terrific job in Edmonton and has always been a coach who has impressed me. Kent Austin has his Grey Cup win in Saskatchewan, took Hamilton to the Grey Cup last year and overcame a 1-6 start to bring the Tabbies back again. But I don't see Richie Hall in that category at this point nor Chamblis and Milanovich missed the playoffs with Ricky Ray at quarterback. Rich Campbell has not proven himself to be in that category yet either, nor has Condon or O'Shea.

Good point; I agree. It seems to me that the notion that the other CFL coaches have, for the last several years, been way ahead of our coaches (Chapdelaine, Stubler, et al.), strategically and tactically, may not be really borne out by all the evidence--despite repeated assertions on this forum that this has been the case.

As for Milanovich (as I've noted before), if we ignore 2014 when injuries were a mitigating factor for the Argos, he is 20-16, for a .555 winning percentage, despite having the best QB in the CFL. Did Milanovich, an offense-minded HC, have a more-potent offense in 2012-2013 than the Lions? No. The average number of points-for in those two years was: Argos: 476 (or 26.4 pts./game) vs Lions: 492 (27.3 pts./game).

As for Orlondo Steinauer, it seems true that he's done a good job with the defense in Hamilton, but I think this time around I'd like to see our new HC come from an offensive perspective. This would put LaPolice in the picture, but I share the same doubts about him that others on this forum do. He didn't play professionally (not a knock-out factor in itself) and consequently may not command quite the same respect that a number of other CFL head coaches who have played professionally enjoy (the exceptions being Chris Jones and Rich Campbell). I suppose Chris Jones would be the most notable exception to that. I have wondered whether this lack of professional playing experience may have contributed a little to Benevides' lack of credibility among the players. Perhaps a new HC from the defensive ranks would be fine as long as a really sharp--and ideally experienced--OC could be brought in too. What are the terms of George Cortez's contract in Saskabush?

[South Pender]

Marc Trestman is still my "wish upon a star" hope for our next HC. I really don't know how he can return in Chicago after a meh season last year, and a subpar season this year. It's a difficult position since he is still employed, however, and even if he is fired there's no guarantees he would even come back to the CFL, but I think there's a better chance of us landing Trestman than Dave Dickenson who seems very content to stay in Calgary even in his current role.

I could be wrong about this, but I suspect that Trestman couldn't be approached for another HC job until the end of the NFL regular season--at the end of December. Hasn't it been suggested that Wally wanted to button down the HC hiring before Christmas?

[WestCoastJoe]

Enjoyed your post, Blitz.

Full of interesting details, and considered opinions.
........

It seems to me there is no obvious, easy choice for Head Coach, satisfying to the fan base, with a glowing resume, and available.

Dickenson, taken at his word, is staying in Calgary.

LaPolice does not have a resume bulging with success stories. Could be very good. Dunno ...

Steinauer is relatively new at the coaching gig.

Garcia? Intriguing. Untried as a full time coach. Could be great.

So Wally is not benefitting from the best of timing in this situation.

This decision will stand out on his legacy, for better or worse.
.....

Re Milanovich ...

A few of us have spoken highly of him. His win/loss looks ordinary. He has Ricky Ray. He won a Grey Cup. He graduated two assistants to HC gigs.

As a player, he was with Tampa Bay from 1996 to 1999, then Europe, LA Xtreme, TB Storm, and Calgary. Many years of professional play as a quarterback. Many stops as a coach. Very deep resume IMO ...

I have not seen him work from an up close perspective. I have just seen his team play. I have seen his comments in the media, especially video speaking about preparation, injuries, et cetera. I have seen his sideline demeanour. I have seen him carry on in the face of challenges.

Part of my reaction is of the hunch variety.

He is of course under contract to the Argos. We heard some rumours of his discontent there. I think we heard a rumour that Trestman wanted him to go to Chicago with the Bears.

He is unavailable, but worthy of some comment. If he was available ... In a heartbeat.
......

As noted a few times, it seems the level of coaching in the CFL has been on an upward curve, starting with the arrival of Austin, Hufnagel and Trestman. IMO ...
.......

Next week, and in the weeks to come, it is going to be interesting.

I would certainly have more confidence in this process if Bobby Ackles was conducting it. Bobby did pretty well with two Head Coach hirings for the Lions: Don Matthews and Wally Buono. Oh Yeah.

[Blitz]

I

would certainly have more confidence in this process if Bobby Ackles was conducting it. Bobby did pretty well with two Head Coach hirings for the Lions: Don Matthews and Wally Buono. Oh Yeah. WCJ

Me too!!

Ackles was focused on hiring the best candidate. But then Ackles wasn't going to interfere once the choice was made. Instead he was going to work hard to get the best talent on the field and the fans in the stands. Ackles did sit down with Buono once a week but it was in the role of sounding board, providing perspective, balance, and reflection, etc. and not telling Buono who to play or not to play.

Pro football team success requires leadership and that leadership requires defined roles for President, GM, and Head Coach.

[Blitz]

Marc Trestman is still my "wish upon a star" hope for our next HC. I really don't know how he can return in Chicago after a meh season last year, and a subpar season this year. It's a difficult position since he is still employed, however, and even if he is fired there's no guarantees he would even come back to the CFL, but I think there's a better chance of us landing Trestman than Dave Dickenson who seems very content to stay in Calgary even in his current role.

I could be wrong about this, but I suspect that Trestman couldn't be approached for another HC job until the end of the NFL regular season--at the end of December. Hasn't it been suggested that Wally wanted to button down the HC hiring before Christmas?

It might have been wise to wait until the end of the NFL season.

I dont' see Trestman coming here South Pender, although I could be wrong. He will get a chance to apply for a Head Coaching gig in the NFL or at least an opportunity for an offensive coordinator role in the NFL. I don't see him coming back to the CFL any time soon. The CFL provided Trestman with the opportunity to become a Head Coach and his shot at a HC gig in the NFL due to that success. Trestman provided the CFL with some innovative football.

We could see Trestman back in the CFL one day but he will be able to make more money down south and that's where I think he will stay for the near future, even if Chicago lets him go.

[notahomer]

Sounds like many (of the fans I hear from...) want an offensive minded Head Coach. Meaning we have had Buono (exCFL Linebacker) and Benevides (defensive coordinator) as Head Coaches, maybe its time to have a Head Coach from the other side of the ball...meaning offense. I hear where they are coming from but I doubt Buono would NOT hire what he feels is the best candidate REGARDLESS of which side of the ball he specialized on before being hired.
____________________________________________

I think in terms of Buono's personality comment, he is being straight. He admitted he's feeling TIME has passed him by in some respects. IOW, he's admitting (which makes me trust him, I don't trust people who THINK they know everything) that he's not SURE he has the skills/tools to do things with this generation of players. What does puzzle me is how will he know he's got the kinda guy who can lead todays type of player because that will mean finding things Wally admits he doesn't have...?

[Toppy Vann]

Lapo has some 'splaining to do as to these things and for a Wally there is no way he is going to hire a guy who is not GM friendly nor is that a recipe for a GC:

1. Talk about how you worked with your GM - areas that went well. What happened when you didn't agree? How did that play out?

2. He will have to tell Wally he worked with his prior GM and ended up in a standoff where the GM appointed his OC.
It might go like this: It seemed that your GM appointed your OC and it seemed the GM wanted you to let go of play calling. Talk about that - how it happened? How was your response to the GM suggesting you should give up play calling?

The above questions are specific to the Bombers situation where even though he got to a GC and had an idiot for a GM how he views working with his boss is critical.

A GM has to coach the HC and provide counsel and advice where he sees things the HC might need to be better aware of. BUT it likely shouldn't be watching practice from a roof top. It might be better to be around like Bobby was at practice but not there to judge but to speak to media and even fans like doing some marketing - but not every day. The GM is responsible for the roster being put together and he has to have a role in player evaluation against what the budget is paying them.

Wally needs to outline a PROCESS and put together proper recruitment criteria so that each of the interviewed candidates is both interviewed about their backgrounds as well as speaks specifically to each critical success area.

First step after an initial interview possibly over the phone (skype to make it more interactive would require each candidate to come here or he goes there and present around each of the following areas:

> Team philosophy - how he wants to play on all sides of the ball.

> View of the role of the HC and how he works or will work with assistants. (I'd ask Garcia this too to see if he is Dunigan all over or the guy he sounds like in terms of a guy who could lead a team as HC vs need to brought on slow like Dave D.)

> Team culture - what he believes is essential and how he will develop it in the team. How much he uses the team to keep the desired performance oriented culture in place (essential) or is this another great man egotist like Benny and that don't work?
To avoid a Richie Hall - too close to some players you want a HC who is part of the group but understands his role is distinct and he will coach the coaches and provide the right tone and keep it.

> Selection of assistants - his process and who will he want (existing staff or not) and how he can attract a team of coaches. There is some need here for continuity and guys like Bates deserve a good shot but not as RB coach - a position only his rear end could see and unless he has eyes there that is a joke.

> in game decisions, game plans, challenges etc - how he will ensure game day is not a circus ... how he reacts to a first half that is a disaster. More of the same or sit with coaches - make adjustments.

> Fan/media relations - less of an issue but important to grow the game.

> player development - his thoughts - buy or grow. What kind of teacher. Does he want vets or mix (desired).

[TheLionKing]

Wally needs to outline a PROCESS and put together proper recruitment criteria so that each of the interviewed candidates is both interviewed about their backgrounds as well as speaks specifically to each critical success area.

First step after an initial interview possibly over the phone (skype to make it more interactive would require each candidate to come here or he goes there and present around each of the following areas:

> Team philosophy - how he wants to play on all sides of the ball.

> View of the role of the HC and how he works or will work with assistants. (I'd ask Garcia this too to see if he is Dunigan all over or the guy he sounds like in terms of a guy who could lead a team as HC vs need to brought on slow like Dave D.)

> Team culture - what he believes is essential and how he will develop it in the team. How much he uses the team to keep the desired performance oriented culture in place (essential) or is this another great man egotist like Benny and that don't work?
To avoid a Richie Hall - too close to some players you want a HC who is part of the group but understands his role is distinct and he will coach the coaches and provide the right tone and keep it.

> Selection of assistants - his process and who will he want (existing staff or not) and how he can attract a team of coaches. There is some need here for continuity and guys like Bates deserve a good shot but not as RB coach - a position only his rear end could see and unless he has eyes there that is a joke.

> in game decisions, game plans, challenges etc - how he will ensure game day is not a circus ... how he reacts to a first half that is a disaster. More of the same or sit with coaches - make adjustments.

> Fan/media relations - less of an issue but important to grow the game.

> player development - his thoughts - buy or grow. What kind of teacher. Does he want vets or mix (desired).

What no question on Personality ?

[Toppy Vann]

Wally needs to outline a PROCESS and put together proper recruitment criteria so that each of the interviewed candidates is both interviewed about their backgrounds as well as speaks specifically to each critical success area.

First step after an initial interview possibly over the phone (skype to make it more interactive would require each candidate to come here or he goes there and present around each of the following areas:

> Team philosophy - how he wants to play on all sides of the ball.

> View of the role of the HC and how he works or will work with assistants. (I'd ask Garcia this too to see if he is Dunigan all over or the guy he sounds like in terms of a guy who could lead a team as HC vs need to brought on slow like Dave D.)

> Team culture - what he believes is essential and how he will develop it in the team. How much he uses the team to keep the desired performance oriented culture in place (essential) or is this another great man egotist like Benny and that don't work?
To avoid a Richie Hall - too close to some players you want a HC who is part of the group but understands his role is distinct and he will coach the coaches and provide the right tone and keep it.

> Selection of assistants - his process and who will he want (existing staff or not) and how he can attract a team of coaches. There is some need here for continuity and guys like Bates deserve a good shot but not as RB coach - a position only his rear end could see and unless he has eyes there that is a joke.

> in game decisions, game plans, challenges etc - how he will ensure game day is not a circus ... how he reacts to a first half that is a disaster. More of the same or sit with coaches - make adjustments.

> Fan/media relations - less of an issue but important to grow the game.

> player development - his thoughts - buy or grow. What kind of teacher. Does he want vets or mix (desired).

What no question on Personality ?

Actually there is a Canadian company - the Self Management Group - that has assessments that predict management success and my firm markets these tools too. Dr John Marshall was a former hockey player in the Phillies organization so I'd add tool in.

Some of the situational questions - how in the past the coach handled situations like with the GM where they disagree - do bring out the personality.

Things like how you deal with your team having their arses handed to them in the first half are similar. Does he come in and rant and rave (successfully maybe only 1x or 2x at max a season) or do they take the approach that they make adjustments.

Any top coach will tell his team that no matter how bad an opponent is that there will be some point in the game that your opponent will dominate you - either O or D. That is not the issue. The ONLY issue is how your team and players deal with it. Benny ranting and yelling at assistants on the sidelines - if he was doing that - is what you don't want.

The goal is a team that is never too high or on a roller coaster of emotions as it never works. You want to learn the few lessons - win or lose - apply them and move on.

You want a HC with a personality that understands this. The best coaches have that edge to them that players know they must play well as they know the HC judges on play and contribution.

[South Pender]

What no question on Personality ?

Better assessed psychometrically. Give candidates the MMPI.

[Toppy Vann]

What no question on Personality ?

Better assessed psychometrically. Give candidates the MMPI.

There is one problem with the MMPI - and that is that it is well known that blacks score 5 % less well than whites so that might not be the best one.

I like the Self Management Group for its quality and (low price) as it predicts success in management. We advise our clients to use this as part of their profile of a candidate but not to make a decision on it. It is useful too to coach someone around blind spots or potential areas where they might not be strong in performance.

But SP raises one point - the test must be NORMATIVE - that is bench marked against other successful leaders and managers and not ipsative (compare to self only) which too often are wrongly used in selection.

Self Management Group (Toronto) was founded by John Marshall and their firm is full of sports folks with Phds.

John’s doctoral thesis was on the effects and influences of competitive environments - of which he has first hand knowledge from his background as a hockey player in the Philadelphia Flyers organization (1967-8) and while coaching hockey at York University and in Italy.

John has developed several unique programs which deal with attitude management, motivation, commitment, effort and team development. He authored and co-authored several books and articles on the subjects of organizational growth, training, competition in sports and business. Having sold over 30, 000 copies, each of John’s books is supported by a state-of-the-art training program

in fact instead of using sports psychologists to counsel this type of outfit with a sports teams leadership group could add value.

http://www.selfmgmt.com/en/aboutus/peop ... shall.aspx

[Toppy Vann]

From LU:

Dickenson would be the favourite of general manager Wally Buono. Steinauer, as the story goes during Grey Cup week, is the preferred choice of owner David Braley.

Steinhauer - the annointed one????

http://www.theprovince.com/sports/footb ... story.html

This sounds like a great DC comment but not a HC comment - but hey he has done a good job:

“I don’t have 30 years experience. I’m not Stubler,” said Steinauer. “But they can’t bring what I bring, which is 12 years (as a player) of understanding how things are managed. I’ve sat in their seat. I know when the coach is getting you a real talk and when he’s giving you a cliché.”

Hamilton defensively was only eighth against the pass this season, just ahead of Calgary, but have a shutdown cornerback in Delvin Breaux, named by the CFL Players Association to a league all-star team this week that had almost gone completely unnoticed.

[MexicoLionFan]

I do not care at all about OFF or DEF background for the new HC. I care about intelligence, confidence, success and systems. I have always liked Orlando Steinhauer as he was a VERY smart player (similar to Barron Miles) he extended his career greatly even after losing a step or two by transitioning further inside on the defence...he had a lot picks in his career because he had the ability to use his peripheral vision as a safety...he watched the QB and the slot receivers at the same time, anticipated the QB's throws and stepped in front to make picks.

As a coach, he has come along fairly rapidly with success along the way. It is clear that Steinhauer has always understood the game inside and out and knows how to analyze what the other team is doing, adjust, and then take away what they would like to do. He has certainly given the Lions fits over the last few years! As an intelligent human being who wants to succeed, Steinhauer will also make certain that he gets the best Asst coaches available, for example, he would not take the job if it meant having to keep Dorazio and McMann. Steinhauer would be a good selection for the Lions...now would he be good enough to go up against Huff, Jones, Chambliss and O'Shea every week? We will find out today...so much of this game will be Steinhauer versus Dickenson...if Steinhauer's D has a great plan to curtail Cornish and put things on Bo Levi Mitchell's shoulders then HAM has a chance. I want to watch Steinhauer very closely today!

And I like the choice of Steinhauer a little more than LaPolice because Steinhauer is currently coaching! You have to be able to get GREAT Asst's...can LaPolice do this?

As for our Asst. Coaches for next year, I would imagine that ANY new HC would keep and promote Kelly Bates to the OL Coach and retain him as the Draft Supervisor. Keeping Travis Lulay and grooming him for the OC position and eventually HC position is key too...so I would imagine that any new HC would like to move Lulay in the QB Coach position as soon as Travis realizes he can't play anymore. Plus, we need a receiver's coach, who better than Geroy Simon? Bring Geroy back home and get the best help that money can by for our receivers to get even better. The keys will be promoting Bates to the OL Coach, keeping Johnny Holland, or PROMOTING HIM to DC and getting a new S Ts coach...maybe Steinhauer would be able to whisk Reinbold away from HAM? Maybe Steinhauer could steal Barron Miles away from SSK? I want the best, the brightest and the youngest coaches in the league on the Lion's staff for next season, ready to take back the CFL by storm!

[Blitz]

I don't completely agree that the CFL has been loaded with coaches who are so ahead of the curve than our B.C. Lions. No question that Hufnagel is a very smart football coach. Dickenson was developed slowly and wisely under Hufnagel. Chris Jones did a terrific job in Edmonton and has always been a coach who has impressed me. Kent Austin has his Grey Cup win in Saskatchewan, took Hamilton to the Grey Cup last year and overcame a 1-6 start to bring the Tabbies back again. But I don't see Richie Hall in that category at this point nor Chamblis and Milanovich missed the playoffs with Ricky Ray at quarterback. Rich Campbell has not proven himself to be in that category yet either, nor has Condon or O'Shea.

Good point; I agree. It seems to me that the notion that the other CFL coaches have, for the last several years, been way ahead of our coaches (Chapdelaine, Stubler, et al.), strategically and tactically, may not be really borne out by all the evidence--despite repeated assertions on this forum that this has been the case.

As for Milanovich (as I've noted before), if we ignore 2014 when injuries were a mitigating factor for the Argos, he is 20-16, for a .555 winning percentage, despite having the best QB in the CFL. Did Milanovich, an offense-minded HC, have a more-potent offense in 2012-2013 than the Lions? No. The average number of points-for in those two years was: Argos: 476 (or 26.4 pts./game) vs Lions: 492 (27.3 pts./game).

As for Orlondo Steinauer, it seems true that he's done a good job with the defense in Hamilton, but I think this time around I'd like to see our new HC come from an offensive perspective. This would put LaPolice in the picture, but I share the same doubts about him that others on this forum do. He didn't play professionally (not a knock-out factor in itself) and consequently may not command quite the same respect that a number of other CFL head coaches who have played professionally enjoy (the exceptions being Chris Jones and Rich Campbell). I suppose Chris Jones would be the most notable exception to that. I have wondered whether this lack of professional playing experience may have contributed a little to Benevides' lack of credibility among the players. Perhaps a new HC from the defensive ranks would be fine as long as a really sharp--and ideally experienced--OC could be brought in too. What are the terms of George Cortez's contract in Saskabush?

I also would prefer our new Head Coach to have a background from the offensive side of the football for this one reason - to finally get us out of the old Calgary spread offence playbook of the 90's that Wally is so entranced with. However, more importantly is to get the best person for the job.

Right now I would prefer Steinauer over LaPolice. I'm not even sure if Steinauer will want the job.

I believe Cortez will be available for a coaching position for next season, as he will be fired in Saskatchewan. I could see Wally wanting Cortez as our offensive coordinator. However, I sure don't. Cortez is also not Head Coaching material. He is way too conflict driven.

If, in an imaginary world, I was the new Leos Head Coach and I could have any coach I wanted, with lots of money to pay them, I would

a) try to talk Dave Ritchie out of retirement and if I couldnt' - I would hire Stubler as my defensive coordinator. Steinauer would be my third choice.
b) I would hire Dave Dickenson as my offensive coordinator and my second choice would be Chapdelaine. Either would run the offence the way they want to with the only directions given would be to a) be aggressive and b) be innovative
c) I would have Mike Gibson as my offensive line coach but he would refuse the job, now that he is an offensive coordinator in Ottawa. I would steal Pat DelMonaco from Calgary. My third choice would be to promote Kelly Bates to offensive line coach.This is the most important position where I consider change is needed. Calgary played four non-imports on thei offensive line. We couldn't get it done with 3 Internationals.
d) I would hire Barrin Miles as my defensive backfield coach
e) Johnny Holland would remain my linebackers coach
f) Jeff Reinebold would be my special team's coach. Craig Dickenson would be my second choice.
g) My quarterback's coach would be Steve Kruck. Jarious Jackson would be a second choice. I would hire Geroy Simon to coach the recievers and bring him back to the fold.
h) To coach the defensive line I would offer Randy Melvin so much money he would return as our defensive line coach.
i) As coach of the running backs and look after the draft I would keep Kelly Bates in his present position
j) I would hire an extra coach to the staff and hire Angus Reid to work specifically with the center position, assist the offensive line coach, and also help Bates with the draft.

It was fun making those decisions.

[Rammer]

Chapdelaine for HC wouldn't be a bad choice, as I think that he needs more control than he was allowed as OC with the Lions. Of course I was sick of the OC by 2010, but having the offensive background, he would help any OC that was hired. It may not be popular, but until we find out the real candidates, I would keep an open mind to his selection, especially given the limited list that we are working on.

I would also add Jeff Reinebold to the staff, he is a great bridge between players and coaches, not sure how his OC resume looks, but I could handle the idea of him being the OC as well. Then the two other coaching positions to be filled would have to be the ST coach and OL coach, with Kelly Bates being lined up for the OL move already. Those are the important ones, the rest are on the new HC.