Buratto turns down Esks' job offer, may not coach in '07
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjourna...61f4fe&k=22111
Former Stampeders offensive co-ordinator dealing with wife's health problems, other circumstances
Curtis Stock, The Edmonton Journal
Published: Tuesday, December 05, 2006
EDMONTON - The search for an offensive co-ordinator for the Edmonton Eskimos no longer includes the front-runner, Steve Buratto.
"Edmonton is out," Buratto said on Monday. "I'm not coming to Edmonton. Given the circumstances I may not even coach next year.
"Basically we ran into a time constraint. (Head coach) Danny (Maciocia) needs to have an answer and I can't make a decision because of some things that have transpired."
Buratto, who was released as Calgary's offensive boss after the season, would not disclose what those circumstances are.
His wife, Judy, has macular degeneration and is legally blind. She also has mobility issues because of a car accident that shattered both her legs three years ago.
Buratto said there were other concerns besides his wife's health that led him to turn down the Eskimos' offer.
"I really enjoyed the conversations I had with Rick (LeLacheur), Danny and Hugh Campbell.
"I have great respect for the operation. It's a timing issue."
In the meantime, Maciocia continues to look for an offensive co-ordinator. The post became available when Maciocia, who ran the offence as head coach last season, added the title of director of football operations to his job description for the upcoming campaign.
With his added duties, he decided to get someone else to look after the Esks' offence.
Maciocia said he was down to three candidates but would not divulge who they are.
"I made a mistake with Steve; I'm not going to do it again," Maciocia said of floating Buratto's name.
Montreal Alouettes assistant Marcel Bellefeuille, Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive co-ordinator George Cortez and Kevin Strasser, former co-offensive co-ordinator with the Alouettes who was released only last week, have all been mentioned, interviewed or both.
Bellefeuille, however, reportedly is in line for Strasser's now vacant position in Montreal, while Cortez has been rumoured to be headed to Calgary. Strasser has also received a call from Calgary general manager Jim Barker and also has ties to Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Doug Berry.
Former Stampeders offensive co-ordinator dealing with wife's health problems, other circumstances
Curtis Stock, The Edmonton Journal
Published: Tuesday, December 05, 2006
EDMONTON - The search for an offensive co-ordinator for the Edmonton Eskimos no longer includes the front-runner, Steve Buratto.
"Edmonton is out," Buratto said on Monday. "I'm not coming to Edmonton. Given the circumstances I may not even coach next year.
"Basically we ran into a time constraint. (Head coach) Danny (Maciocia) needs to have an answer and I can't make a decision because of some things that have transpired."
Buratto, who was released as Calgary's offensive boss after the season, would not disclose what those circumstances are.
His wife, Judy, has macular degeneration and is legally blind. She also has mobility issues because of a car accident that shattered both her legs three years ago.
Buratto said there were other concerns besides his wife's health that led him to turn down the Eskimos' offer.
"I really enjoyed the conversations I had with Rick (LeLacheur), Danny and Hugh Campbell.
"I have great respect for the operation. It's a timing issue."
In the meantime, Maciocia continues to look for an offensive co-ordinator. The post became available when Maciocia, who ran the offence as head coach last season, added the title of director of football operations to his job description for the upcoming campaign.
With his added duties, he decided to get someone else to look after the Esks' offence.
Maciocia said he was down to three candidates but would not divulge who they are.
"I made a mistake with Steve; I'm not going to do it again," Maciocia said of floating Buratto's name.
Montreal Alouettes assistant Marcel Bellefeuille, Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive co-ordinator George Cortez and Kevin Strasser, former co-offensive co-ordinator with the Alouettes who was released only last week, have all been mentioned, interviewed or both.
Bellefeuille, however, reportedly is in line for Strasser's now vacant position in Montreal, while Cortez has been rumoured to be headed to Calgary. Strasser has also received a call from Calgary general manager Jim Barker and also has ties to Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Doug Berry.
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