Tommy Condell to be the next Bombers OC

[bunker]

Some good thoughts. IMO Jones is a middling talent, and is turning 33. Bridges might be a good reclamation project but a bit concerning how his 2025 production fell off from his rookie year. Dunbar is bigger than Stearns, and a bit more productive last year, although the difference between his production and Stearns was not huge. And Zach is finicky about his receivers, and seemed to get comfortable with Stearns as the season progressed. I would like an upgrade at receiver but maybe we could consider leaving Stearns in place as the 3/4 and going after an impactful nat? Someone like Emilus is a more likely candidate for a 1/2 receiver. He would cost a bundle though, and we are already paying Demski 240,000, and my bet is Wilson is getting 175-200,000. Clercius seemed to fall out the starting rotation by the end of the year. Even Schaffer-Baker would be a nice upgrade on him.

[blue_gold_84]

Condell has been named the team's new OC.

Fun fact: Condell began his CFL career with the Blue Bombers in 1997 as the special teams coordinator.

[theaardvark]

Condell has been named the team's new OC.

Fun fact: Condell began his CFL career with the Blue Bombers in 1997 as the special teams coordinator.

So, he's "coming home"?

[dd]

I like Steven Dunbar, he's produced everywhere he's played. If he's available, I'd see if we can get him here, we d have a very respectable receiving corps.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Some good thoughts. IMO Jones is a middling talent, and is turning 33. Bridges might be a good reclamation project but a bit concerning how his 2025 production fell off from his rookie year. Dunbar is bigger than Stearns, and a bit more productive last year, although the difference between his production and Stearns was not huge. And Zach is finicky about his receivers, and seemed to get comfortable with Stearns as the season progressed. I would like an upgrade at receiver but maybe we could consider leaving Stearns in place as the 3/4 and going after an impactful nat? Someone like Emilus is a more likely candidate for a 1/2 receiver. He would cost a bundle though, and we are already paying Demski 240,000, and my bet is Wilson is getting 175-200,000. Clercius seemed to fall out the starting rotation by the end of the year. Even Schaffer-Baker would be a nice upgrade on him.

Not sure it's a priority to replace Sterns at #4 he's good at that spot, looking more at #1 receiver that should have been Schoen. Not too many Natl. receivers could fill that spot other than Emulus who is unlikely to reach FA and will be expensive.

[blue_gold_84]

So, he's "coming home"?

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Condell official.
Hogan back to RB coach.
Jake Thomas retires and becomes defensive line coach.

[markf]

Some of These coaches are nomads...

T. Condell has coached in many leagues, levels, and places.

Its an unusual lifestyle.

[Tecno]

You add Justin Hardy to our lineup, and our pass offense is set. We'd have Hardy, Demski, Wilson, Sterns and I honestly don't care who #5 and 6 are.

The missing puzzle piece is a great middle / slant / crosser bruiser guy who can get us out of 2nd & med/long.  We haven't had that since Bailey, and Bailey wasn't even that great at it.

Hardy is perfect for that, and strangely doesn't get hurt much, even with his advanced age.  Dunbar also used to be that guy.  Maybe still is.  Hardy seems to have more heart though.

[Tecno]

Condell is going to have a difficult time getting any talent to follow him rather than staying with Dinwiddie.

Why?  Dinwiddie+Dinwiddie > MOS+Condell??  Culture counts.  Dinwiddie may be able to make a winning culture, but everything I see of him points to him being a massive aaaa hhhh to his players & coaches.

MOS still has more success than Dinwiddie.  Not sure why you'd think Din would be the greater draw.

[Tecno]

Kinda mixed on this one. It's good to get an experienced OC, BUT Ottawa's offense has stunk the last 2 seasons, was it personnel or play calling or both??

It was culture, and all of the above.  Dyce was always in over his head.  He's a lot like Gee Shucks Dickenson The Lesser.

[theaardvark]

Some of These coaches are nomads...

T. Condell has coached in many leagues, levels, and places.

Its an unusual lifestyle.

Co-ordinators and position coaches work at the whim of an HC.

When an HC gets ousted, its off to a new gig for everyone below.

You don't have to be a bad co-ordinator or position coach, if you are on a bad team, have a bad HC or have bad co-horts resulting in a bad result.

Bob Wylie has been on a lot of teams, and been very successful as an Oline coach at almost every stop.  Yes, a nomadic life, but many actually like being nomads.  New challenges, new scenery.

[Blueforlife]

Hogan will learn and grow from his experience last year.  It's a blessing we retained him.  Tough year but best way to learn is by falling on your face, dusting off and getting a 2nd chance.  MOS let him fly on his own too early.  Back to the nest for a few more lessons.  Success isn't always linear.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Why?  Dinwiddie+Dinwiddie > MOS+Condell??  Culture counts.  Dinwiddie may be able to make a winning culture, but everything I see of him points to him being a massive aaaa hhhh to his players & coaches.

MOS still has more success than Dinwiddie.  Not sure why you'd think Din would be the greater draw.

Dinwiddie provides veteran RB players the hope of turning the program around which Condell or Dyce were unable to do.  Why would a player want to pack up their life and change everything they know just to follow a nomadic football coach that may not have the power to convince his HC to make any personnel changes? The door isn't wide open when you enter O'Shea's locker room, some positions were set in stone well before Condell was hired.

[blue_gold_84]

Why would a player want to pack up their life and change everything they know...

That happens all the time in pro sports. Players want to win and sometimes that means packing up their lives to improve those chances. Culture also counts, as @Tecno mentioned. The culture here is arguably second to none.

I would also assert the Bombers have less work ahead of them to get back on track than the RedBlacks do; that's a tall order for Dinwddie. That could also be a factor for certain players depending on their desires.