Bombers add Jarious Jackson, promote Hogan to OC

[Jesse]

So Ed Tait says the OC will be announced in the next few days and that it won't be a surprise.

I was starting to believe that the delay was because we were waiting for Lapo's contract at TSN to finish, but maybe the unsurprising part is that it's Mike Miller because his name was out there already in the news.

[Bluehawk]

I will go with Lapo...and happy if its him.
I feel he really enjoys the game still too much to be stuck at TSN

[TecnoGenius]

I was starting to believe that the delay was because we were waiting for Lapo's contract at TSN to finish, but maybe the unsurprising part is that it's Mike Miller because his name was out there already in the news.

I've heard no chatter about Miller becoming OC.  Personally I think that would be crazy.  He was already felt like a fish out of water when thrown into the STC role.  He said as much at the start of the season.  Ya, I'm sure he got better and more comfortable, but to then jump into OC when he's never really had a hand in play calling??  That's crazy talk.

If the whisper is "no surprise" then it has to be Lapo.  I bet you there was a whisper deal this whole time and they were just waiting until it was opportune (or allowed!) to announce it.

[TecnoGenius]

If Buck was Lapo's "understudy" a few years back, then who was Buck's understudy the last few years?

I'm a bit perturbed that I have no idea who the OC-in-waiting in-house option is / would have been!

[DM83]

Yah, agreed.
Was it just Buck? And that was it.?
There didn't seem to be any transparency but then there never is with the Bombers?

[Jesse]

I've heard no chatter about Miller becoming OC.  Personally I think that would be crazy.  He was already felt like a fish out of water when thrown into the STC role.  He said as much at the start of the season.  Ya, I'm sure he got better and more comfortable, but to then jump into OC when he's never really had a hand in play calling??  That's crazy talk.

If the whisper is "no surprise" then it has to be Lapo.  I bet you there was a whisper deal this whole time and they were just waiting until it was opportune (or allowed!) to announce it.

Mike Miller the Argos QB coach who we've interviewed for our OC already.

[blue_gold_84]

Mike Miller's bio (Argonauts page)

[Sir Blue and Gold]

At this point, he's got to be the hire. Not sure what the hold up is specifically though.

[Blue In BC]

Decision announced on 3rd Down. Promoted Hogan internally and hired J. Jackson as QB coach. I'm not unhappy with these decisions.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Decision announced on 3rd Down. Promoted Hogan internally and hired J. Jackson as QB coach. I'm not unhappy with these decisions.

Wow the former RB coach jumps to OC ahead of Jackson, that's a strange arrangement.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

On paper and at first glace this hire seems like a big stretch.

I like that Hogan is a former QB (albeit CIS level one) but he's very green. Apparently he joined the Als in the TICKETING department in 2015. As far as I can tell he's never called offensive plays professionally and I am not even sure he did so at the CIS level. He was an offensive assist over two seasons when the Als went 10-26 and missed the playoffs two straight years. Prior to him time in Winnipeg as a running backs coach he was running backs and receivers coach for the Carabins.

The resume inspires very little confidence and it seems an unnecessarily large gamble for a veteran offence going into a Grey Cup hosting year but let's hope they have this one right. Feels a bit like giving your teenager keys to the Porsche.

[theaardvark]

Not overjoyed at the choice, but he's worked in the system and done great with Brady.

Guessing if he was in charge in the GC, we would have seen a different finish to the game

Will be interesting to see if he changes the run/pass ratio substantially.

J. Jackson is a good add, and will give Hogan good support.  And should Hogan falter, he's there to step in.

Not jaw dropping, but understandable.

[Blue In BC]

J. Jackson input will be valuable as mentioned. Although this is a bit of a surprise, an internal promotion provides some insight to the strengths of the roster etc.

[blue_gold_84]

That's a big ol' meh from me. Jackson is a good addition, though.

[blue_gold_84]

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/04/bombers-add-jarious-jackson-to-coaching-staff-name-jason-hogan-offensive-coordinator/

[gordo]

Really like bringing Jarious Jackson onto the coaching staff as QB coach. Good experience as an OC with the Elks for 3 seasons and even a brief stint as interim coach.  And I always liked him as a QB in his playing days.

Hogan being an internal hire as the new OC has only 3 seasons as our running backs coach so Jackson will probably be leaned on to help him out. Sounds like a good arrangement.

Promoting a relatively inexperienced guy like Hogan can be looked at as taking the easy path instead of interviewing and bringing in a more experienced coach who has an OC track record (like Jackson).  But I trust O'Shea and he obviously knows Hogan well who has spent his 3 years working with Buck so this likely will not be a huge shift in philosophy at the OC spot.  It's typical O'Shea, being loyal to his guys.  But I think these are good hires.

[dd]

Weird, not sure why they wouldn't have just given JJ the OC and have Hogan assist. Hogan have very limited experience at the pro level, and Jackson's record as an OC speaks for itself.

Good on Jackson for accepting a junior position when he's fully qualified to be the OC and arguably the next HC on our coaching staff.

[The Zipp]

i would have thought maybe hire JJ as Qb coach and OC and promote Hogan to RB and Offensive assistant. 

seems like an odd arrangement but maybe JJ didn't want the OC function.

[dd]

Wow the former RB coach jumps to OC ahead of Jackson, that's a strange arrangement.

Strange indeed.

I just don't get why we didn't give the OC to Jackson as he's clearly the better qualified coach. I don't buy for 1 minute that a RB coach with 3 years experience and no pro experience knows beans about present day defenses. Good on Jackson for accepting the Junior position, he was the HC and OC and now a Qb coach, well, ok, we're fortunate to have him on staff as I have zero confidence in Hogan, and its got to be strange and weird experience for Jackson to be answering to someone so much younger and inexperienced compared to him.

[TBURGESS]

Like the Jackson signing. Hate the Hogan signing.

[GOLDMEMBER]

I reserve judgement for the results on the field.

[Blueforlife]

trust the organization on this one, I think it works out just fine with some growing pains along the way

biggest thing is securing a good OL at this point!

Note to new OC- please do bombs and runs.  Worked in the past LOL.- a steady diet of stretch em and pound em - LETS GO BOMBERS

[BombZ]

Jason Hogan , Seriously??? Do we not to win any games???  Does anyone realize we are HOSTING the grey cup?  Is there a joke i am missing ? Kyle Walters said in an interview "that can see spending to the salary cap"  Only to watch some key players leaving? Now an unproven OC when others more qualified and better pedigree are available there has to be a "just Kidding" coming soon??? Please.  What is happening here???

[blue_or_die]

Yeah, colour me underwhelmed.

I guess part of it is none of us really know this guy despite being part of our coaching staff, and having the experience to step in an call our entire offense seems like giving your 16 year old the keys to your Ferrari.

Obviously we will wait and see and maybe it'll be fine but maybe not. I'm surprised we're rolling the dice in the year we're hosting the Grey Cup. Keep in mind that because of that, growing pains are simply not acceptable. It cannot be our gameplan to start like we did last year and hope it comes together and we grab first place and a bye. Hope is not a strategy.

The JJ signing is great though and best believe all that experience is going to have him breathing down Hogan's neck.

I feel like all of this would be avoided if we just switched their roles. MOS loyalty...

[ModAdmin]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers name Jason Hogan Offensive Coordinator, Jarious Jackson Quarterbacks Coach

WINNIPEG, MB – February 4, 2025 –  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce Jason Hogan has been named offensive coordinator with Jarious Jackson added to the staff as the Quarterbacks Coach.

 JASON HOGAN
The 2025 Canadian Football League season will be Hogan's fourth with the club following his previous three years as the team's running backs coach.
Over the past three seasons, Hogan has played an important role in Brady Oliveira's rise to stardom as the Winnipeg product has eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark three times, captured consecutive rushing titles in 2023-24, was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian in 2023 and 2024 and the league's Most Outstanding Player in 2024.

A product of Rosemere, Quebec, Hogan came to the Blue Bombers in 2022 after serving as the offensive coordinator, running backs, wide receiver and quarterbacks coach with the Université de Montréal Carabins.

Hogan spent two years with the Montreal Alouettes prior to his days with the Carabins, beginning as an offensive quality control coach and then serving as a defensive assistant and receivers coach. He also worked for the Alouettes as a youth football program coordinator and served as the offensive coordinator at École secondaire Curé-Antoine-Labelle Loups and at College André-Grasset. Hogan was also a member of the Université de Laval Rouge et Or's Vanier Cup championship team in 2006.

JARIOUS JACKSON
Jackson joins the Blue Bombers after spending the last three seasons with the Edmonton Elks as offensive coordinator and as interim coach after being promoted to the position last July following a management change.

The Elks were 7-6 with Jackson as head coach after beginning the season 0-5 before the change, and Edmonton finished first in points scored (27.6), first in rushing yards per game (131.4) and second in net offence per game (390.3).

Jackson began coaching in the CFL in 2013 with the B.C. Lions and has since worked with Edmonton (2014-15), Saskatchewan (2016-17), B.C. (2018-19), Toronto (2020-21) and then again with the Elks since 2022.

A two-year starting quarterback at the University of Notre Dame, Jackson set single season school records for yards passing, completions and attempts in 1999, his senior season, and was a seventh-round pick of the Denver Broncos in the 2000 NFL Draft.

He spent 13 years as pro with the Broncos (2000), Barcelona Dragons (2001), Broncos (2001-03), B.C. (2004-11) and Toronto (2012) and is a four-time Grey Cup champion - 2006, 2011 and 2012 as a player and 2015 as an assistant coach.

[theaardvark]

MOS got the promotion to HC after 4 years as STC.

Buck 5 years as RB/QB coach before becoming OC.

Walters - 3 years as STC then got the nod to GM.

Younger got the DC spot with only 5 years as our DB coach.

They DID interview lots of candidates, and decided on Hogan as the best fit for the team going forward. 

Have to wonder about the Jackson hire, though.  Is it a "just in case" hire, or truly a filling of that position.  Did Jackson ask for that spot, knowing that he had missed the OC spot, just to be involved in this team?  Not hating it, just that we have some very veteran coaches in supporting roles. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Yeah, colour me underwhelmed.

I guess part of it is none of us really know this guy despite being part of our coaching staff, and having the experience to step in an call our entire offense seems like giving your 16 year old the keys to your Ferrari.

Obviously we will wait and see and maybe it'll be fine but maybe not. I'm surprised we're rolling the dice in the year we're hosting the Grey Cup. Keep in mind that because of that, growing pains are simply not acceptable. It cannot be our gameplan to start like we did last year and hope it comes together and we grab first place and a bye. Hope is not a strategy.

The JJ signing is great though and best believe all that experience is going to have him breathing down Hogan's neck.

I feel like all of this would be avoided if we just switched their roles. MOS loyalty...

It sure feels like the Bombers are loping along at the back of the field, surprise, surprise when unwanted scraps are left by the time they make important coaching decisions. They lost Buck months ago and decided to go on holiday and let the task of replacing him slide.  Maybe complacency and over-confidence has set in, where's the competitive fire?

[blue_gold_84]

Jason Hogan , Seriously??? Do we not to win any games???  Does anyone realize we are HOSTING the grey cup?  Is there a joke i am missing ? Kyle Walters said in an interview "that can see spending to the salary cap"  Only to watch some key players leaving? Now an unproven OC when others more qualified and better pedigree are available there has to be a "just Kidding" coming soon??? Please.  What is happening here???

Maybe log off and go take your meds.

[theaardvark]

It sure feels like the Bombers are loping along at the back of the field, surprise, surprise when unwanted scraps are left by the time they make important coaching decisions. They lost Buck months ago and decided to go on holiday and let the task of replacing him slide.  Maybe complacency and over-confidence has set in, where's the competitive fire?

I really think you are off base here.  Buck was promoted from within with little experience, and 3 seasons later, you're lamenting his loss?

The team interviewed many prospects and no doubt discussed many more.  No doubt that there are more qualified or more proven candidates, but do they fit with MOS, our team structure or $SMS? 

If he fails, have at it, rake the management team over the coals.  Until then, lets give the guy that helped BO20 be the dominant player he is a chance to prove himself.

[blue_gold_84]

As long as they rely on the similar and often successful balanced attack we've seen the last several seasons, there shouldn't be much cause for concern here. Hogan's a rookie but he's learned from some pretty talented coaches thus far.

Jackson's addition to the offense should help, too.

[blueandgoldguy]

At first glance, this seems like a terrible hire.  Given the teams massive struggles on offense most of the last season (and in the Grey Cup AGAIN),  giving the reins to an outside voice would have been preferable...a fresh perspective.  This hire seems like something that would lead to nothing more than an average offense for the 2025 season which may not be good enough to make it to the division finals let alone the Grey Cup.

I hope Jackson has a good amount of influence on the new OC's play-calling, assuming his previous work as OC is considered good of course.  I would have preferred Mike Miller from Toronto as the new OC.  Like I said, a fresh perspective from an experienced outsider.

Why on earth would Tait say this hire would not be a surprise?  I don't anyone expected Hogan.

[theaardvark]

Never looked at Mike Miller's resume, until now.  Man, he has a LOT of miles on him.  2 years as Arizona's OC (8-8, 5-11), coached in Europe, NFL and CFL.

Have to wonder why they passed on him, but there seems to be a lot of movement in his history and that is always disconcerting for a potential employer.

I used to joke that I'd been fired 14 times, which show's I'm no quitter...

[blue_or_die]

MOS got the promotion to HC after 4 years as STC.

Buck 5 years as RB/QB coach before becoming OC.

Walters - 3 years as STC then got the nod to GM.

Younger got the DC spot with only 5 years as our DB coach.

They DID interview lots of candidates, and decided on Hogan as the best fit for the team going forward. 

Have to wonder about the Jackson hire, though.  Is it a "just in case" hire, or truly a filling of that position.  Did Jackson ask for that spot, knowing that he had missed the OC spot, just to be involved in this team?  Not hating it, just that we have some very veteran coaches in supporting roles. 

Not sure you're making great comparisons here. Hogan has been a nameless assistant for 3 years and in your comparisons, assistants have 5 years in that role and made a name for themselves during that time. I think you don't need to be a coordinator long before you can make the jump up to HC so that's apples and oranges. And in Walters' case, although he was STC he was an assistant GM and lead Canadian scouting very successfully for years.

You also say we "DID interview lots of candidates". You could be right about this, but do we know that? Legit question. I haven't been paying as close attention as normal so maybe I missed all this news about our extensive OC search.

Part of me wants to give this brass the benefit of the doubt given the success they've had, the other part is questioning it given the 3 cups in a row we lost. I just hope they know what they're doing with this one.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Buck Pierce also played quarterback at a high level in the CFL prior to starting his coaching career. Hogan was a CIS quarterback who last played in 2006 and joined the Als in 2015 as a ticketing guy. Yes, he's been around the game but the resume is not very strong and that's putting it mildly.

I do think we sort of need to trust the organization as they are the only ones who can really evaluate the guy. I will say if it doesn't work it the move will be easy to criticize because on paper it's very hard to believe the best candidate for the job was a guy who outside of being our running backs coach was a CIS positional coach with a low profile and what seems like zero play calling experience in any of his role up to now.

[Waffler]

I am wondering what the delay was? If Hogan was the pick this could have been announced Dec 5, two months ago. 

Wish I knew what the heck else was going on.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I really think you are off base here.  Buck was promoted from within with little experience, and 3 seasons later, you're lamenting his loss?

The team interviewed many prospects and no doubt discussed many more.  No doubt that there are more qualified or more proven candidates, but do they fit with MOS, our team structure or $SMS? 

If he fails, have at it, rake the management team over the coals.  Until then, lets give the guy that helped BO20 be the dominant player he is a chance to prove himself.

Only OC prospect I heard them mention was Jordan Maksymic and he was eager to choose the sad sack Elks over the Bomber OC job, other than that nothing.  Meanwhile a game of musical chairs was happening across the CFL while other teams scrambled to acquire the best coaching prospects, the Bombers snoozed through the entire event. If Buck thought Hogan was the man, he likely would have taken him to BC with him instead of Kevin Bourgain.

[theaardvark]

Only OC prospect I heard them mention was Jordan Maksymic and he was eager to choose the sad sack Elks over the Bomber OC job, other than that nothing.  Meanwhile a game of musical chairs was happening across the CFL while other teams scrambled to acquire the best coaching prospects, the Bombers snoozed through the entire event. If Buck thought Hogan was the man, he likely would have taken him to BC with him instead of Kevin Bourgain.

They asked permission about Miller in TO, for sure, and they had to have talked to Jackson about the OC for him to be hired as QB coach.  I can't recall the other names, but they did a search, for sure, before handing Hogan the job.

Who knows why they left it so long, maybe it was a hard decision to choose someone as green as Hogan.  But they know him, and his work, and he's watched Buck do the X's and O's for a while.

Our management group seems to find the diamonds in the rough and polish them to the point that they get stolen.  Lets hope that is the case here, again.

[dd]

I just don't get why they didn't give the OC job to Jackson outright and have Hogan apprentice under him. Sorry, anyone associated with our offensive game planning the last 3 years gets a demerit in my books, especially last Grey Cup's fiasco. But sure, give the OC job to your Qb coach, who was obviously in on letting Zach continue to throw without the use of his right arm, seems totally logical to me, NOT!!!!

This one is a head scratcher and really, as long as Jackson has input into our game planning I don't care. He had very decent stats as OC in Edmonton despite having an inferior offense, his offense at least produced, it was his defense that stunk.

[dd]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers name Jason Hogan Offensive Coordinator, Jarious Jackson Quarterbacks Coach


WINNIPEG, MB – February 4, 2025 –  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce Jason Hogan has been named offensive coordinator with Jarious Jackson added to the staff as the Quarterbacks Coach.

 JASON HOGAN
The 2025 Canadian Football League season will be Hogan's fourth with the club following his previous three years as the team's running backs coach.
Over the past three seasons, Hogan has played an important role in Brady Oliveira's rise to stardom as the Winnipeg product has eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark three times, captured consecutive rushing titles in 2023-24, was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian in 2023 and 2024 and the league's Most Outstanding Player in 2024.
A product of Rosemere, Quebec, Hogan came to the Blue Bombers in 2022 after serving as the offensive coordinator, running backs, wide receiver and quarterbacks coach with the Université de Montréal Carabins.

Hogan spent two years with the Montreal Alouettes prior to his days with the Carabins, beginning as an offensive quality control coach and then serving as a defensive assistant and receivers coach. He also worked for the Alouettes as a youth football program coordinator and served as the offensive coordinator at École secondaire Curé-Antoine-Labelle Loups and at College André-Grasset. Hogan was also a member of the Université de Laval Rouge et Or's Vanier Cup championship team in 2006.

JARIOUS JACKSON
Jackson joins the Blue Bombers after spending the last three seasons with the Edmonton Elks as offensive coordinator and as interim coach after being promoted to the position last July following a management change.
The Elks were 7-6 with Jackson as head coach after beginning the season 0-5 before the change, and Edmonton finished first in points scored (27.6), first in rushing yards per game (131.4) and second in net offence per game (390.3).
Jackson began coaching in the CFL in 2013 with the B.C. Lions and has since worked with Edmonton (2014-15), Saskatchewan (2016-17), B.C. (2018-19), Toronto (2020-21) and then again with the Elks since 2022.

A two-year starting quarterback at the University of Notre Dame, Jackson set single season school records for yards passing, completions and attempts in 1999, his senior season, and was a seventh-round pick of the Denver Broncos in the 2000 NFL Draft.

He spent 13 years as pro with the Broncos (2000), Barcelona Dragons (2001), Broncos (2001-03), B.C. (2004-11) and Toronto (2012) and is a four-time Grey Cup champion - 2006, 2011 and 2012 as a player and 2015 as an assistant coach.

Great summary of coaching credentials of both Hogan and Jackson, but after reading it, it is dead obvious that Jackson should be our OC!! First in points scored per game—-boy could have used that in the grey cup, first in rushing yards despite us having BO and second in net offense per game, yep, give the OC position to the 3 yr Qb coach, who really hasn't done anything. Thank ****** we have Jackson on staff and he's willing to serve in a support position

[theaardvark]

I just don't get why they didn't give the OC job to Jackson outright and have Hogan apprentice under him. Sorry, anyone associated with our offensive game planning the last 3 years gets a demerit in my books, especially last Grey Cup's fiasco. But sure, give the OC job to your Qb coach, who was obviously in on letting Zach continue to throw without the use of his right arm, seems totally logical to me, NOT!!!!

This one is a head scratcher and really, as long as Jackson has input into our game planning I don't care. He had very decent stats as OC in Edmonton despite having an inferior offense, his offense at least produced, it was his defense that stunk.

Hogan was the RB coach, you know, the guy who worked with Brady to become the best RB in the league.  Buck was the QB coach and OC that crapped the bed.  And now he's a Head Coach...

[VictorRomano]

Great summary of coaching credentials of both Hogan and Jackson, but after reading it, it is dead obvious that Jackson should be our OC!! First in points scored per game—-boy could have used that in the grey cup, first in rushing yards despite us having BO and second in net offense per game, yep, give the OC position to the 3 yr Qb coach, who really hasn't done anything. Thank ****** we have Jackson on staff and he's willing to serve in a support position

I think this may be like the same situation last year with Younger/Hall - give the new guy a chance and a short leash, because there's a vet in the house if he can't get it done.

[blue_or_die]

They asked permission about Miller in TO, for sure, and they had to have talked to Jackson about the OC for him to be hired as QB coach.  I can't recall the other names, but they did a search, for sure, before handing Hogan the job.

Who knows why they left it so long, maybe it was a hard decision to choose someone as green as Hogan.  But they know him, and his work, and he's watched Buck do the X's and O's for a while.

Our management group seems to find the diamonds in the rough and polish them to the point that they get stolen.  Lets hope that is the case here, again.

Again...are you sure?

[dd]

They asked permission about Miller in TO, for sure, and they had to have talked to Jackson about the OC for him to be hired as QB coach.  I can't recall the other names, but they did a search, for sure, before handing Hogan the job.

Who knows why they left it so long, maybe it was a hard decision to choose someone as green as Hogan.  But they know him, and his work, and he's watched Buck do the X's and O's for a while.

Our management group seems to find the diamonds in the rough and polish them to the point that they get stolen.  Lets hope that is the case here, again.

It concerns me he's watched Buck do the X's and O's as I don't think Buck knows the difference between and X and an O!!

[dd]

I think this may be like the same situation last year with Younger/Hall - give the new guy a chance and a short leash, because there's a vet in the house if he can't get it done.

I just don't get why unproven rookies get the nod over proven vets, it's actuslly an insult to Jackson really. He had the #1 offensive stats last year yet we give it to a rookie positional coach. Not a rational decision at all and this took months to unroll?!?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Maybe the Coaching Cap played a part in this decision, surely they would spend right to the limit among the coaches they employ. Depends how much they had to pay Younger to keep him on board without insulting Richie with a huge pay cut. Could be keeping Richie Hall on staff at a higher salary than most assistant DC's receive limit what they could offer Jackson?  Must be a fair step down from OC to QB coach, commensurate with hours put into the job.

[Jesse]

I really think you are off base here.  Buck was promoted from within with little experience, and 3 seasons later, you're lamenting his loss?

The team interviewed many prospects and no doubt discussed many more.  No doubt that there are more qualified or more proven candidates, but do they fit with MOS, our team structure or $SMS? 

If he fails, have at it, rake the management team over the coals.  Until then, lets give the guy that helped BO20 be the dominant player he is a chance to prove himself.

Buck had a long career as a CFL QB and spent 6 years, starting as a RB coach and then working up to QB coach before getting the promotion.

You're comparing that to someone who never played professionally and has 3 years of experience solely as a RB coach?

And I only read one report of us asking to interview anyone: Mike Miller.

[TecnoGenius]

The resume inspires very little confidence and it seems an unnecessarily large gamble for a veteran offence going into a Grey Cup hosting year but let's hope they have this one right. Feels a bit like giving your teenager keys to the Porsche.

I like the choice.  I was wondering who the "next man up" was and why we weren't going internally, since we do it so often.

I don't care if he's not "experienced" like all the other choices... I only care if he's a play calling genius.  Playing QB or whatever doesn't mean you can design and call the right plays.  Hogan might be the next big thing!

To be chosen he must be well respected and he must be really smart.

I think this is great, and far better than just doing the tired trope of going with the old retread (McAdoo, Jarius...).  (Though I would have been fine with retread Lapo!)

[TecnoGenius]

It sure feels like the Bombers are loping along at the back of the field, surprise, surprise when unwanted scraps are left by the time they make important coaching decisions. They lost Buck months ago and decided to go on holiday and let the task of replacing him slide.

I bet the decision was made ages ago.  Or maybe they were trying to get some big name (Lapo) and held out until the last minute when they were for sure unavailable.

Nothing wrong with going with your 2nd choice.

Hiring in-house has the huge advantage of continuity, which is so very key in this league.  If we can keep the OL continuity too, then we should start winning week 1 instead of week 7.

[TecnoGenius]

Why on earth would Tait say this hire would not be a surprise?  I don't anyone expected Hogan.

Ya, that was a strange quote.  The Hogan choice surprises every fan in Canada!  The only "non-surprise" is that WFC does like to promote internally, and that's what we did in the end.

[TecnoGenius]

I just don't get why they didn't give the OC job to Jackson outright and have Hogan apprentice under him. Sorry, anyone associated with our offensive game planning the last 3 years gets a demerit in my books, especially last Grey Cup's fiasco. But sure, give the OC job to your Qb coach, who was obviously in on letting Zach continue to throw without the use of his right arm, seems totally logical to me, NOT!!!!

Ya, winning the division and getting to the cup year after year sure sucks eh! 

Jarius inspires nothing in me.  He's retread of retreads and was lost on the sidelines in EDM, and wasn't great as OC in the booth (on any team).  There's a reason he's bounced through a ton of teams.  Could be a major case of Peter Principle.

That said, Jarius does know QBs and QBing and I think he'll be a great QB coach.  If he's also our "emergency backup OC" should Hogan poop the bed, then bonus.

[TecnoGenius]

Maybe the Coaching Cap played a part in this decision, surely they would spend right to the limit among the coaches they employ. Depends how much they had to pay Younger to keep him on board without insulting Richie with a huge pay cut. Could be keeping Richie Hall on staff at a higher salary than most assistant DC's receive limit what they could offer Jackson?  Must be a fair step down from OC to QB coach, commensurate with hours put into the job.

Ding ding ding.  I like it when people see the hidden subtext.

The Younger move last year was to keep MOS/KW/WM well-paid (read: nice pay bumps).  Hogan is the same thing.  A rookie OC can be paid less than half what a "real" OC will cost.  This lets the Mafia Three (and Younger now) get more pay bumps.

It's the same as cutting some all-star vet players and replacing them with ELCs so you have enough to retain the elite superstars, just on the coach's side.

Eventually something's gotta give, though.  Once you start this paradigm, you gotta keep the churn going every few years... unless the CFL ditches the coach cap or increases it substantially, that is.

I think it's smart, and so far has been very successful.

[Blueforlife]

The negativity posted on here about the OC by some is so over the top.  Props to those that can see the forest through the trees.

How about we let the two coaches don't their jobs for at least half a season before we push the panic button.

[TBURGESS]

There is nothing in his resume to suggest that he's ready for an OC job, let alone be a "play calling genius".

[Blue In BC]

There is nothing in his resume to suggest that he's ready for an OC job, let alone be a "play calling genius".

Everyone starts somewhere before a resume in created. Many OC's were QB's which is good but that doesn't always equate to being a good OC. We've seen very good football players as OC's, DC's and HC's that failed.

Having J. Jackson on board is a bit of a safety net. We'll see how this works out.

[Blueforlife]

Everyone starts somewhere before a resume in created. Many OC's were QB's which is good but that doesn't always equate to being a good OC. We've seen very good football players as OC's, DV's and HC's that failed.

Having J. Jackson on board is a bit of a safety net. We'll see how this works out.

I see the key is to make sure Zach, the OC and QB coach all on the same page to use the players we have to the best of their abilities.  A few new pieces but mostly the same.  I see continuity with this move and some growing pains but I believe it will work out just fine.  Biggest thing for me is a strong OL and good running game.  Rest can work itself out on those two pillar of strength.  I am confident in the running game, not sure about the OL (yet).  Having a consistent deep ball is key to our offense I believe, which might take a 1/3 of the season to figure out.

[pdirks67]

We fans really have absolutely no idea whether Hogan will be in way over his head, or whether he is a savant-OC-in-Waiting. I think that we'll know halfway through the 2025 season whether he is one, the other, or just meh.

O'Shea isn't stupid, and he has seemed to have a really good idea of what kind of person would fit into each role on our staff. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and completely reserve judgement on this decision.

One possibility - Jarious Jackson could be the safety net. If Hogan struggles well into the season, perhaps Jarious takes over.

A similar situation took place with Ben Johnson with the Detroit Lions in 2022. A relative nobody who got promoted out of the blue (outwardly to fans, but no-brainer to those within the coaching staff) who turned out to be one of the best OCs in the NFL.

[Waffler]

I'd be MORE willing to give Hogan the benefit of the doubt if someone could tell me why it took us 2 months to realize his genius, and also why Buck didn't take him to BC.  It just seems to me MOS being MOS. I am just glad Jackson was willing to come in a lesser capacity.

[peg_city]

I remember thinking promoting Buck was going to end up badly and I was completely wrong.

[blue_gold_84]

I remember thinking promoting Buck was going to end up badly and I was completely wrong.

It just went badly in three straight Grey Cup games.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

There is nothing in his resume to suggest that he's ready for an OC job, let alone be a "play calling genius".

Remember in 2023 when Craig Dickenson took a chance and elevated QB Coach Kelly Jeffrey to OC??? One season later, they cleaned house.

[theaardvark]

I remember thinking promoting Buck was going to end up badly and I was completely wrong.

I really think we are 5 time GC champs if Lapo had stuck here instead of Buck.  I don't put 100% of the blame on Buck, MOS takes some of the blame for trusting Buck...

[Pete]

I really think we are 5 time GC champs if Lapo had stuck here instead of Buck.  I don't put 100% of the blame on Buck, MOS takes some of the blame for trusting Buck...

memory is a fickle thing, when Lapo was here lots were complaining about his conservative offence. It may have been a product of who his personnel were, and I think he's grown since then. But I doubt the greycup outcomes would be different.(esp ly the argos d was that dominant)

[Jesse]

We fans really have absolutely no idea whether Hogan will be in way over his head, or whether he is a savant-OC-in-Waiting. I think that we'll know halfway through the 2025 season whether he is one, the other, or just meh.

O'Shea isn't stupid, and he has seemed to have a really good idea of what kind of person would fit into each role on our staff. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and completely reserve judgement on this decision.

One possibility - Jarious Jackson could be the safety net. If Hogan struggles well into the season, perhaps Jarious takes over.

A similar situation took place with Ben Johnson with the Detroit Lions in 2022. A relative nobody who got promoted out of the blue (outwardly to fans, but no-brainer to those within the coaching staff) who turned out to be one of the best OCs in the NFL.

Even if he's good, I'm struggling to understand why we felt the need to fast track him through the ranks so quickly.

He has zero pro playing experience. Zero coordinator or HC experience at lower levels. He only has 3 years experience at the lowest possible assistant coach level.

If we felt he needed a raise, we could have made him assistant OC in charge of RBs and WRs or something to have some experience with what his new duties will eventually be.

He has skipped a few steps so this is questionable until proven otherwise.

[Blueforlife]

Even if he's good, I'm struggling to understand why we felt the need to fast track him through the ranks so quickly.

He has zero pro playing experience. Zero coordinator or HC experience at lower levels. He only has 3 years experience at the lowest possible assistant coach level.

If we felt he needed a raise, we could have made him assistant OC in charge of RBs and WRs or something to have some experience with what his new duties will eventually be.

He has skipped a few steps so this is questionable until proven otherwise.

Disagree with most of what you have said, I trust the organization on this one.  My expectation is a slow start with a few bumps along the way and I believe. This will work out just fine imo.  There is a power in continuity.

[Jesse]

Disagree with most of what you have said, I trust the organization on this one.  My expectation is a slow start with a few bumps along the way and I believe. This will work out just fine imo.  There is a power in continuity.

You disagree that he has zero professional playing experience?

Or that he has never been an OC or HC at any level?

Or that his only experience is as an RB coach?

Or that he's jumped steps that coaches normally take before getting an OC position?

Because all of those things are true.

[blue_or_die]

Disagree with most of what you have said, I trust the organization on this one.  My expectation is a slow start with a few bumps along the way and I believe. This will work out just fine imo.  There is a power in continuity.

You disagree with facts? Those weren't opinions...

And once again, if by a few bumps you're talking about the horrible start we were lucky to survive last year, that's not acceptable. This is a home Grey Cup year (which we get once a decade, and coinciding when we have a great team). This is a time to go all in, not a time to take risks and make odd decisions.

Waiting until Labour Day to see if rolling the dice worked out is completely unacceptable.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

You disagree with facts? Those weren't opinions...

And once again, if by a few bumps you're talking about the horrible start we were lucky to survive last year, that's not acceptable. This is a home Grey Cup year (which we get once a decade, and coinciding when we have a great team). This is a time to go all in, not a time to take risks and make odd decisions.

Waiting until Labour Day to see if rolling the dice worked out is completely unacceptable.

The big question, is this the year another team finally steps up and steals the Bombers Western crown? I'm guessing the odds are 50/50, which would still make the Bombers the favourite.

[Blueforlife]

You disagree that he has zero professional playing experience? - obviously not, come on man

Or that he has never been an OC or HC at any level? obviously not, not sure why that really matters as he knows our system, I don't see why him not being a HC has anything to do with it

Or that his only experience is as an RB coach?  obviously not, but he has been in our system for a enough time to know more than you suggest

Or that he's jumped steps that coaches normally take before getting an OC position? This is a stretch, there is no set recipe for how to promote a coach, another huge stretch here bud

Because all of those things are true. - his experience is all accurate, you take on it has a bias to the negative imo

You disagree with facts? Those weren't opinions...

And once again, if by a few bumps you're talking about the horrible start we were lucky to survive last year, that's not acceptable. This is a home Grey Cup year (which we get once a decade, and coinciding when we have a great team). This is a time to go all in, not a time to take risks and make odd decisions.

Waiting until Labour Day to see if rolling the dice worked out is completely unacceptable.

See comments above on Jesse's post.  I disagree with Jesse's take on the promotion of the OC.  He is overstating the negative regarding this situation imo.  Yes he has stated facts about his history.  I am obviously not arguing against that, come on guys splitting hairs there.  Jesse has stated that we could have promoted him to an assistant RB or WR coach which I 100% disagree with.  He stated that he skipped a step, which I 100% disagree with.  We have promoted from within a person that the management has trust in that can do the job.  We have brought in a decent QB coach with lots of playing experience.  Non issue handled internally.  Some don't like this move I do.  Let's see how it works out before we are too critical of it.  Give the guy a chance.  He is surrounded by a good team and management.  I am very hopeful it works out.  I am not worried at all about our OC's lack of playing experience and don't think his previous coaching experience will play much a factor in his success this season. 

In terms of a slow start, I'm expecting it but not as bad as last year.  Lots of change.  If we secure a good OL, I'm a lot less worried.  Also need to fill a few big holes on D.  Change will bring some uncertainty on the players end.  A wee bit early to assess how we will start as we have a lot of player to sign yet and I can only bet a few studs come out of camp (hoping).

Coaching is fairly stable and not too worried there.

Let's leave it here guys, we are worlds apart on our take here.  That's ok.  Good debate but lets see how it shakes out 1st.

Having a inexperienced coach and a mentor for defense worked well last year, don't see why that can't again on O.  A little bit different situation there to be sure but has a similar feel imo.

[blue_or_die]

The big question, is this the year another team finally steps up and steals the Bombers Western crown? I'm guessing the odds are 50/50, which would still make the Bombers the favourite.

We're all obviously hoping that's not the case for this year given the circumstance, although it's impossible to just go to the Grey Cup every single year forever.

Realistically, what I want is for us to do whatever it takes to win this year and then the core can retire or move on. If we go to the Grey Cup 6 years in a row and win 3, one with me in attendance in my season ticket seat, I can simply die happy. I'll happily go to the stadium in 2026 and watch them lose with a smile on my face if that's the case. I've been waiting my whole fandom for us to be good like we are right now but understand that nothing lasts forever.

[markf]

Maybe what Ed Tait meant when he said it would not be a surprise, is that this is the way this team does things.

Ie. they (O'Shea) know this person, like him. He fits in.  They are sure  he can do the job. Are not worried about the learning curve. Maybe going from special teams to successful head  coach colours the view.

That's route ending in success happened only once in the recent CFL that I know of.

Guess we'll see.

I would rather have Jarious running it... last year alone.... his results in a bad situation showed his worth.

[ModAdmin]

Maybe what Ed Tait meant when he said it would not be a surprise, is that this is the way this team does things.

Ie. they (O'Shea) know this person, like him. He fits in.  They are sure  he can do the job. Are not worried about the learning curve. Maybe going from special teams to successful head  coach colours the view.

That's route ending in success happened once in the recent CFL that I know of.

Guess we'll see.

I would rather have Jarious running it... last year alone.... his results in a bad situation showed his worth.

Have to think Jarious will have a lot of input on the running of the offence.  Also have to think that Hogan would welcome that support and input.

[Blueforlife]

Have to think Jarious will have a lot of input on the running of the offence.  Also have to think that Hogan would welcome that support and input.

A great combo imo

[theaardvark]

You disagree with facts? Those weren't opinions...

And once again, if by a few bumps you're talking about the horrible start we were lucky to survive last year, that's not acceptable. This is a home Grey Cup year (which we get once a decade, and coinciding when we have a great team). This is a time to go all in, not a time to take risks and make odd decisions.

Waiting until Labour Day to see if rolling the dice worked out is completely unacceptable.

The start to last year, and the GC fiascos were orchestrated by a guy with a lot more experience, both as a player and a coach.

So I'm not sure how having those credentials are a guarantee of success.

Again, MOS has to live or die with Hogan's results, its his butt on the line here.  If he didn't think Hogan had the chops to do the job, Jackson or someone else gets the gig.

Younger/Hall
Hogan/Jackson

He made the move to Younger over Hall, and we had a pretty solid year on D.

No reason to doubt.

[Blueforlife]

The start to last year, and the GC fiascos were orchestrated by a guy with a lot more experience, both as a player and a coach.

So I'm not sure how having those credentials are a guarantee of success.

Again, MOS has to live or die with Hogan's results, its his butt on the line here.  If he didn't think Hogan had the chops to do the job, Jackson or someone else gets the gig.

Younger/Hall
Hogan/Jackson

He made the move to Younger over Hall, and we had a pretty solid year on D.

No reason to doubt.

We are really seeing eye to eye my friend.  Heavy agree all.  Love it.  Facts are presented above imo.

[blue_or_die]

The start to last year, and the GC fiascos were orchestrated by a guy with a lot more experience, both as a player and a coach.

So I'm not sure how having those credentials are a guarantee of success.

Again, MOS has to live or die with Hogan's results, its his butt on the line here.  If he didn't think Hogan had the chops to do the job, Jackson or someone else gets the gig.

Younger/Hall
Hogan/Jackson

He made the move to Younger over Hall, and we had a pretty solid year on D.

No reason to doubt.

This isn't about guarantees, it's about risk management.

Nobody complained about the Younger promotion because we had confidence he was the heir apparent. We do not have any such background or assurance.

As many have stated here already, the simple, non-wait and see solution would have just been to have Jarious as OC and have Hogan apprentice and gain experience gameplanning/calling under him as an asst OC.

[TBURGESS]

If this was a 'hoping to make the playoffs' kinda year, then I'd be much more OK trying an untested guy. 

This is a GC in Winnipeg year with a team that's been there 5 years straight. We don't need to add this kind of risk. 

[dd]

Jackson's in a tough spot. He's getting paid to be a QB coach, which he will be no problem. But then he's 'expected' to have input and help our green OC, who will need it, yet he's being paid a position coaches salary, not an assistant OC salary, not an OC/HC salary, but a QB coach salary. That's totally unfair to him, as it is unfair to pay the previous RB coach an OC salary with zero experience in putting together game plans at the pro level.

I don't care what anyone says, this decision makes zero sense. Also this situation is not like the Younger situation. Younger played pro ball, played with Oshea, so Oshea knew his mindset and understanding of the game coming into that decision. Hogan has zero pro experience, zero OC experience.

I wonder what everyone would be saying if our safety blanket/Jackson wasn't on staff?!?!

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Jackson's in a tough spot. He's getting paid to be a QB coach, which he will be no problem. But then he's 'expected' to have input and help our green OC, who will need it, yet he's being paid a position coaches salary, not an assistant OC salary, not an OC/HC salary, but a QB coach salary. That's totally unfair to him, as it is unfair to pay the previous RB coach an OC salary with zero experience in putting together game plans at the pro level.


I wonder what everyone would be saying if our safety blanket/Jackson wasn't on staff?!?!

[Blueforlife]

Football is a team game on the field and off.  The coaches will gel and figure this out (with bumps along the way).  Not worried a bit.  Now rebuild the OL, find another stud DL and get me a vet DB and I'm happy.  Also need to improve our CDN depth.

Nah sayers might want to read this.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/02/05/oshea-pretty-quickly-with-jason-you-recognize-his-energy-you-see-that-hes-got-a-tireless-work-ethic/

[TecnoGenius]

memory is a fickle thing, when Lapo was here lots were complaining about his conservative offence. It may have been a product of who his personnel were, and I think he's grown since then. But I doubt the greycup outcomes would be different.(esp ly the argos d was that dominant)

Lapo would have given us a fighting chance.  Buck had zero wrinkles.  Zero new stuff.  Zero anything.  We had 2 in-season losses to TOR to study what they were doing.  Buck wasn't BOLD.

Lapo would have had misdirection and wrinkles galore.  And we all know he would have run the ball a heck of a lot more!!

Our D did enough to let us win that game had our O produced what it should.  Lapo doesn't guarantee we win that game, but it couldn't have hurt.

[TecnoGenius]

yet he's being paid a position coaches salary, not an assistant OC salary, not an OC/HC salary, but a QB coach salary. That's totally unfair to him

What's fair is what a person accepts.  Jarius happily accepted, therefore it's fair.  Who knows what other perks and future promises are on the table...

It's no less fair to Jarius than it was to demote Hall last year!

I wonder what everyone would be saying if our safety blanket/Jackson wasn't on staff?!?!

I'd be fine with that too.  Lapo is always just sitting there waiting biding his time on TSN.  These HC/OC/DCs do these stints on TSN then always come back into the game...

[TecnoGenius]

Ie. they (O'Shea) know this person, like him. He fits in.  They are sure  he can do the job. Are not worried about the learning curve. Maybe going from special teams to successful head  coach colours the view.

Mike Miller was thrown into the STC job last year and did exceptionally well.  You could argue he had zero experience with anything coaching related, and it didn't matter.

Maybe Mafia is really good at spotting latent talent and capability, eh?  They may see in Hogan "the right stuff".  I don't care if he never touched a football in his entire life, I only care about brains and creativity.  And people skills.  That's what we need at OC.

[TecnoGenius]

We're all obviously hoping that's not the case for this year given the circumstance, although it's impossible to just go to the Grey Cup every single year forever.

It is?  I don't know.  I'm kinda counting on them making the cup this year too.  And next... Keep up the excellence and wish disorder, discontinuity, and dysentery upon your opponents   

(That last one was a joke, for the humor-impaired.  Although you never know with that Regina taco joint!)