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Dave Ritchie. I've always liked and respected him when he guided the Lions to the 94 Grey Cup at home.
Wally and Ritchie are pretty close friends, so Wally knows him well. Believe I heard Dave was recovering from back surgery. If he was interested in coaching the Lions again, i'd like to have him come back.
He's a players coach.

As much as I would agree that he'd do a good job this is not likely to happen as Dave is something close or at 73. The Lions HC is younger by 10 years I think.

While I think is less important (such as Warren Buffett) or even former SFU Chancellor Joe Segal who is older by far than all of these guys. It is mind set and health that are factors.

If it was not for the Penn State scandal Joe Paterno would have been a good example.

I don't see Dickinson as a guy who can walk on water quite yet but he does seem to have a calm enough but demanding enough demeanor to be a good HC. I am not sure yet he is the right guy but how can we be when we haven't heard his views on how he'd do the job. Only the GM would get to hear that.

Benevides still is far too jumpy and running around on the side line to make me think he sees the next role in the right way. But after the losing at the start he did a pretty fine job getting the Lions to and winning the GC. Results speak for themselves. Can he rise to the role and change, yes he can. Many of the best execs who got there from management set aside what they did as managers to act in a executive role leading a wider scope team where the person had to more fully rely on the team than doing some of it himself. But you have to know the role requirements and some guys get it - others don't.

Look at Reed in Eskimoville. He is HC. His GM doesn't allow HC to call plays on D or O. Do you think Austin could not call the plays when he was HC for ET? Yes, but Tillman wants a coaching staff with guys who can do that without the HC losing focus on the overall picture.

Exceptions like Trestman exist but he is an exception. Hufnagel too.

Right now Tillman could write the book on how to select a HC with the right criteria and fit with what he believes should be the right way to build a team (NI/I, etc.) and a coaching staff. Not sure what Wally's criteria will be.

When Miller selected Greg Marshall they certainly didn't prep him or the team for what he'd need to reach his team. His QB checked on him and it led to his demise.

I agree with Toppy Van... There is no question that Dave is a great football mind and could probably do it if he really wanted, unfortunately father time has caught up to him and I seriously doubt we will ever see him in any coaching role again. I could be wrong but I believe when he stepped down as D- coordinator back in 07? it was mainly due to the age and the regular grind had finally caught up with him.

As with many fans, I loved Dave Ritchie as DC here in Vancouver. He also did a nice job in Winnipeg.

IMO the Lions need a much younger guy, a guy with energy to burn. God Bless Dave Ritchie, but in his 70s, that is just too many miles, too many years for this job.

As stated in the New Head Coaches thread, I would be happy enough if Wally chooses Benevides, Chapdelaine or Dave D.

http://lionbackers.com/bc_lions/viewtop ... =2&t=20197

At this time, I would still think Mike B is Wally's first choice. If Mike moves to another team, with a sweeter or more attractive offer, I suspect Wally would offer the HC to Jacques C.

I think it's going to be Benevides. He's been loyal to Buono from his Calgary days.

It will be Benevides...and as I have always said, Benevides will make a better Head Coach than a positional coach...He will still have his finger in the Defensive game plan, but will be much more of a rah-rah voice for both the players and the coaches...something I think this team has lacked for a number of years...

I think Benevides will do well as he is likely going to keep things the same, and yet infuse more passion and bravado...

MexicoLionFan wrote:It will be Benevides...and as I have always said, Benevides will make a better Head Coach than a positional coach...He will still have his finger in the Defensive game plan, but will be much more of a rah-rah voice for both the players and the coaches...something I think this team has lacked for a number of years...

I think Benevides will do well as he is likely going to keep things the same, and yet infuse more passion and bravado...

Thing with bumping Mike B is, now we also need a Defcord, who will fill the job?

Imo the recently retired players are not quite ready for it, for that matter neither is Randy Melvin...but suspect he gets the bump up as Wally bringing him in for a yr, after holding out for him, makes more sense if he makes that upwards move, with Mike B there to mentor him if he has questions.

Glen Suitor was on Sports Night in Saskatchewan and while on the show he got an email that said Benevides got the HC position and will be named tomorrow as HC of the Lions

http://www.ckom.com/audio/sports-night- ... itor/34978


Click on the audio file


Congrats on your new HC guys !!!!

WB's going to have to replace both co-ordinators, if indeed Benny moves to the big chair.

If you think Chap would work for Mike, I have a bridge that I'd like to sell you.

Whoever the new Head Coach may be, I hope he or she be their own person not trying to do what Buono would do.

Hawkballer 14 wrote:WB's going to have to replace both co-ordinators, if indeed Benny moves to the big chair.

If you think Chap would work for Mike, I have a bridge that I'd like to sell you.

First, thanks to GreenThruandThru for the update and link...

Second, I'm interested Hawkballer, or others, as to why Chaps wouldn't coach with Benevides...I have never heard of a conflict between the two...Glen Suitor insinuated something to that effect as well.

MexicoLionFan wrote:

Hawkballer 14 wrote:WB's going to have to replace both co-ordinators, if indeed Benny moves to the big chair.

If you think Chap would work for Mike, I have a bridge that I'd like to sell you.

Second, I'm interested Hawkballer, or others, as to why Chaps wouldn't coach with Benevides...I have never heard of a conflict between the two...Glen Suitor insinuated something to that effect as well.

FTR, I am not suggesting that there is a rift between Mike/Jacques, I am not privy to the inside goings-on at Lions HQ. For all I know, they are great friends inside and out of the office. Merely looking at from an outsiders perspective; it would be exactly the same if Chap got the nod over Mike.

Both guys are of a similar age, have been working as peers (under one year contracts) since 2001. Chap left the Lions for the Esks because Danny Maciocia dangled the position of HC heir apparent (and the subsequent contract stability that comes with it), only to be fired/run under the bus as DMac tried to protect his own butt.

Why would JChap stay in a position where he is a) not the boss, b) working for a dude of similar age that could run with the ball for the next 12-15 years and c) stay subjected to more one year contracts? Odds are, he won't; Jacques will try and get a Head job elsewhere (be it CFL or CIS).

Toppy Vann wrote:
Right now Tillman could write the book on how to select a HC with the right criteria and fit with what he believes should be the right way to build a team (NI/I, etc.) and a coaching staff.

Can't wait to read the chapter on Joe Paopao.

Hawkballer 14 wrote:WB's going to have to replace both co-ordinators, if indeed Benny moves to the big chair.

If you think Chap would work for Mike, I have a bridge that I'd like to sell you.

Completely understandable if he does decide to depart. If I had a CIS opening he'd be the first guy I'd call.

Well, I think Jacques would stay, because he is not ready yet to be considered as a CFL Head Coach...therefore, he would have to stay, win another championship before getting an opportunity...as for the CIS, he may choose to look at that, I really wouldn't know...

I think the more the Lions keep things the same, the easier it is going to be for them to repeat. Not easy...but easier...