2024-2025 CFL (non-Bomber) off-season discussion

[Waffler]

Buck Pierce didn't wait.

BC releases DL Pete Robertson. 

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/06/b-c-lions-release-dl-pete-robertson/

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Buck Pierce didn't wait.

BC releases DL Pete Robertson. 

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/06/b-c-lions-release-dl-pete-robertson/

Pete Robertson biggest claim to fame was for headbutting Zach, earning himself a suspension when he was a Rider.  Wasn't he also with the Elks for a season before moving onto the Lions?

[markf]

What's happening with Jarious Jackson?

Our next O.C.?

[dd]

What's happening with Jarious Jackson?

Our next O.C.?

It seems to be the obvious choice, but it's taking forever to get a formal announcement

[Blue In BC]

It seems to be the obvious choice, but it's taking forever to get a formal announcement

I'm not sure it's an obvious choice but it's a choice. Do we know who was on the consideration list?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

It seems to be the obvious choice, but it's taking forever to get a formal announcement

Don't think Jackson is the obvious choice but he's probably the only experienced CFL OC we have left to talk about.  With O'Shea on a promotional tour across Canada and free agency opening next month, it seems likely the OC hiring has already happened and the announcement will come as a full rollout of the entire coaching staff.

[Pigskin]

The BC Lions announced this morning the team has acquired American offensive lineman Dejon Allen in a trade with the Toronto Argonauts.

In return, the Lions send National linebacker Ryder Varga and our round two selection in the 2026 CFL Draft to Toronto.

https://www.bclions.com/2025/01/06/lions-acquire-2023-most-outstanding-offensive-lineman-dejon-allen/
https://www.argonauts.ca/2025/01/06/argonauts-agree-to-trade-with-b-c-lions/

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have filled their Defensive Coordinator vacancy; tapping former Toronto Argonauts Co-Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach, and three-time Grey Cup champion William Fields to lead their defence.

https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/06/redblacks-name-william-fields-defensive-coordinator/

Jason Gregor @JasonGregor
Hearing Mark Kilam's coaching staff with the #Elks has been finalized:
Jordan Maksymic
JC. Sherritt
Stephen Sorrells
Demetrious Maxie
Jason Tucker
Aaron Grymes
Des Catellier
Trysten Dice
#CFL

Varga had a very good year. Nice pickup for the Argos.

[markf]

Jarious Jackson/ Elks offence last season according to https://www.footballdb.com/stats/teamstat.html?group=O&cat=T&yr=2024&lg=CFL

2 in total points
Most rushing yards
Around third passing yards
Second in yards per game.

In an off season, taking over for C. Jones.

Seems like a good fit for Bombers to me. Specially the run game.

[dd]

To me, he's the obvious choice...only OC available with experience, had impressive offensive stats last year, and has HC experience in the event MOS retires after 2025. What's taking so long??

[Ridermania]

Argos receiver Makai Polk signs with Atlanta Falcons.

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/07/toronto-argos-receiver-makai-polk-signs-with-atlanta-falcons/

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Argos receiver Makai Polk signs with Atlanta Falcons.

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/07/toronto-argos-receiver-makai-polk-signs-with-atlanta-falcons/

Big loss for the Argos, he was a good one.

[ModAdmin]

Chris Jones hired by Bill Belichick as a defensive assistant with the N. Carolina Tar Heels...

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/chris-jones-hired-as-defensive-assistant-by-bill-belichick-with-north-carolina-tar-heels/

[markf]

Chris Jones hired by Bill Belichick as a defensive assistant with the N. Carolina Tar Heels...

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/chris-jones-hired-as-defensive-assistant-by-bill-belichick-with-north-carolina-tar-heels/

This is astounding.but this explains it:

"Jones has already been working with the Tar Heels staff as Belichick tries to build a winning program for the 2025 season. Freddie Kitchens, who hired Jones as a senior defensive specialist with the Cleveland Browns for the 2019 season, was UNC's offensive coordinator last year and he's expected to stay in that role under Belichick."

Edit

" Multiple NFL teams have inquired about whether legendary coach Bill Belichick would reconsider his move to college football -- including the Las Vegas Raiders, whose new minority owner Tom Brady spoke recently with his old coach about what it would take to make a reunion happen in Las Vegas, per sources."

[Waffler]

" Multiple NFL teams have inquired about whether legendary coach Bill Belichick would reconsider his move to college football -- including the Las Vegas Raiders, whose new minority owner Tom Brady spoke recently with his old coach about what it would take to make a reunion happen in Las Vegas, per sources."

This part surprises me. An article I read a couple weeks ago suggests he wants more power than an owner wants to give.

"The best place to start may be last offseason, after Belichick had finalized his divorce with the Patriots and was seeking another job in the NFL's coaching carousel. Despite his résumé, leaguewide interest in him was tepid, and only the Atlanta Falcons seriously considered hiring him before settling on the 47-year-old Raheem Morris.

This largely came down to power dynamics. Belichick wielded total control of football operations during his tenure with the Patriots"
..."These days, however, most NFL owners aren't willing to give that kind of latitude to a head coach"

https://www.theringer.com/2024/12/12/college-football/bill-belichick-hired-head-coach-university-of-north-carolina-new-england-patriots-nfl-history

[dd]

I can understand Belichick wanting total control, he has a reputation and brand to protect and doesn't want it tarnished by inferior support staff--he'd want to hire his own and call the shots personnel wise. That's fine when you've won as many championships as he's won. Funny how no bottom dwelling NFL team wanted to take him on and turn their brutal team around, they'd rather stay status quo and suck forever??? The Jets, Jacksonville, Tennesee, they're all good/they don't need Belichick??? They've sucked for so long they wouldn't know what to do with a winning season!! Or maybe it was a case he wanted to take total control over a team that was a contender for the superbowl, and that would be a different story