Edmonton Sun Articles : Nov 14, 2007
Wed, November 14, 2007
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Jacques takes fall
By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON
Danny Maciocia still has his hands on the steering wheel of the ailing Edmonton Eskimos' ship - but his former prize recruit has been thrown overboard.
Fresh from an ugly 5-12-1 last-place season, Maciocia will return as head coach and director of football operations for 2008.
But offensive co-ordinator and associate head coach Jacques Chapdelaine was fired yesterday, after just one season.
Offensive line coach Carl Brennan and special teams coach Scott Squires were also booted out the door.
However, Chapdelaine is the headline maker after being brought to the Esks from the defending Grey Cup champion B.C. Lions.
"Even though they are very good and qualified football coaches, we just felt that at the end of the day for us to be successful in 2008 we just had to go in a different direction," said Maciocia, who now has a 23-30-1 three-year record in Edmonton.
Missing the playoffs for the second straight season, it appears the Esks made Chapdelaine the main scapegoat this year. But the fiery assistant coach is refusing to take shots at the organization.
"I can stand here and certainly tell you that in 2007 I can be accountable for all the shortcomings we had on offence," said Chapdelaine.
"I don't think the responsibility should fall anywhere else but just right here."
After being the offensive co-ordinator for the high-flying B.C. Lions for 2005 and 2006, Chapdelaine's tactics in Edmonton sputtered and stalled through most of this season. The Esks managed just 371 offensive points, third-worst in the CFL.
While the club averaged 30:23 minutes in time of possession, the offence only produced 34 touchdowns (second-worst in the league) and averaged just 20.6 points (third-worst).
The short-yardage game also failed and the blocking schemes - requiring receivers to block blitzing linebackers - also seemed flawed.
On top of that, there were loud rumblings suggesting Chapdelaine rubbed some players the wrong way with his intense coaching style.
"I don't think you will please everybody," he countered. "It is unfortunate. Winning has a way of curing a lot of things."
While the media horde at Commonwealth Stadium tried several times to get Maciocia or Esks president/CEO Rick LeLacheur to reveal more on the firing, they refused.
"There are times when you are going to be hot and there are times when are you are going to be cold," said Maciocia. "He will be employed in this league (in the future) and he will win his share of games and there are times when he is going to struggle like the rest of us."
Added LeLacheur: "Some coaches and some players can move teams and it just changes them. (Chapdelaine) is a good football man and an exceptional hard worker.
"I don't know what makes a player or coach different when they go to a different team."
With his contract ripped up and the Eskimos owing him another year of salary, Chapdelaine believes he just didn't adapt quickly enough to the Eskimos "culture".
"The culture is different here," he said, clearly referring to the differences that exist between Edmonton and Wally Buono's B.C. Lions.
"I think I did a better job in the second half of the season, understanding this management and leadership style and the culture around this team."
He has no regrets.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained," Chapdelaine quipped. "I still consider this a tremendous organization.
"In a way there are so many things I can take away from this experience and grow."
By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON
Danny Maciocia still has his hands on the steering wheel of the ailing Edmonton Eskimos' ship - but his former prize recruit has been thrown overboard.
Fresh from an ugly 5-12-1 last-place season, Maciocia will return as head coach and director of football operations for 2008.
But offensive co-ordinator and associate head coach Jacques Chapdelaine was fired yesterday, after just one season.
Offensive line coach Carl Brennan and special teams coach Scott Squires were also booted out the door.
However, Chapdelaine is the headline maker after being brought to the Esks from the defending Grey Cup champion B.C. Lions.
"Even though they are very good and qualified football coaches, we just felt that at the end of the day for us to be successful in 2008 we just had to go in a different direction," said Maciocia, who now has a 23-30-1 three-year record in Edmonton.
Missing the playoffs for the second straight season, it appears the Esks made Chapdelaine the main scapegoat this year. But the fiery assistant coach is refusing to take shots at the organization.
"I can stand here and certainly tell you that in 2007 I can be accountable for all the shortcomings we had on offence," said Chapdelaine.
"I don't think the responsibility should fall anywhere else but just right here."
After being the offensive co-ordinator for the high-flying B.C. Lions for 2005 and 2006, Chapdelaine's tactics in Edmonton sputtered and stalled through most of this season. The Esks managed just 371 offensive points, third-worst in the CFL.
While the club averaged 30:23 minutes in time of possession, the offence only produced 34 touchdowns (second-worst in the league) and averaged just 20.6 points (third-worst).
The short-yardage game also failed and the blocking schemes - requiring receivers to block blitzing linebackers - also seemed flawed.
On top of that, there were loud rumblings suggesting Chapdelaine rubbed some players the wrong way with his intense coaching style.
"I don't think you will please everybody," he countered. "It is unfortunate. Winning has a way of curing a lot of things."
While the media horde at Commonwealth Stadium tried several times to get Maciocia or Esks president/CEO Rick LeLacheur to reveal more on the firing, they refused.
"There are times when you are going to be hot and there are times when are you are going to be cold," said Maciocia. "He will be employed in this league (in the future) and he will win his share of games and there are times when he is going to struggle like the rest of us."
Added LeLacheur: "Some coaches and some players can move teams and it just changes them. (Chapdelaine) is a good football man and an exceptional hard worker.
"I don't know what makes a player or coach different when they go to a different team."
With his contract ripped up and the Eskimos owing him another year of salary, Chapdelaine believes he just didn't adapt quickly enough to the Eskimos "culture".
"The culture is different here," he said, clearly referring to the differences that exist between Edmonton and Wally Buono's B.C. Lions.
"I think I did a better job in the second half of the season, understanding this management and leadership style and the culture around this team."
He has no regrets.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained," Chapdelaine quipped. "I still consider this a tremendous organization.
"In a way there are so many things I can take away from this experience and grow."
Plenty of class from departed
By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON, EDMONTON SUN
Carl Brennan walked out the door without issuing a single nasty word at the Edmonton Eskimos.
Not one ounce of resentment came through in his voice. Not one excuse - like injuries to Dan Comiskey or Kevin Lefsrud - was given.
Following the exact same script as Jacques Chapdelaine, Brennan displayed plenty of class after being dismissed by the Eskimos yesterday.
"I am not a person that holds any grudges about people," said Brennan, who was turfed after just one year coaching the O-line. "People have their job to do.
"They felt they had to make a change on the offensive line. You just got to move on.
"I thank the Edmonton Eskimos for giving me the opportunity to coach here, first of all. I wish them the best of luck in the future.
"Not everybody gets a chance to coach for the Eskimos and as a young Canadian coach, I feel privileged to have gone through this organization.
"Hopefully it will make me better in the near future."
Like the entire offence, the line was hit hard by key injuries.
The Esks relinquished 52 sacks, the second-worst total in the league. Granted, Edmonton threw the ball a league-high 666 times, meaning the O-line was in a vulnerable spot.
But Winnipeg threw the pigskin 645 times and only gave up 27 sacks.
The Esks were also abysmal on short-yardage plays, but Brennan wasn't the key architect of that scheme.
QUICK HITS ...
Scott Squires didn't return phone calls after his dismissal yesterday. But the former special teams coach will be missed by some people, even though the unit gave up six touchdowns against this year.
"A lot of things that happened weren't Scott's fault," said linebacker A.J. Gass. "He was more a victim of player busts than bad schematics."
FINISH LINES ...
Former Esk Tim Prinsen is being mentioned as a possible replacement for Brennan ... Maciocia has offered new contracts for 2008 to his remaining assistant coaches, but is waiting for word of acceptance. He wants the entire coaching staff in place by Feb. 3 ... The club is apparently close to signing RB Damien Anderson to a contract extension ... Chief scout Paul Jones will be retained for another season.
By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON, EDMONTON SUN
Carl Brennan walked out the door without issuing a single nasty word at the Edmonton Eskimos.
Not one ounce of resentment came through in his voice. Not one excuse - like injuries to Dan Comiskey or Kevin Lefsrud - was given.
Following the exact same script as Jacques Chapdelaine, Brennan displayed plenty of class after being dismissed by the Eskimos yesterday.
"I am not a person that holds any grudges about people," said Brennan, who was turfed after just one year coaching the O-line. "People have their job to do.
"They felt they had to make a change on the offensive line. You just got to move on.
"I thank the Edmonton Eskimos for giving me the opportunity to coach here, first of all. I wish them the best of luck in the future.
"Not everybody gets a chance to coach for the Eskimos and as a young Canadian coach, I feel privileged to have gone through this organization.
"Hopefully it will make me better in the near future."
Like the entire offence, the line was hit hard by key injuries.
The Esks relinquished 52 sacks, the second-worst total in the league. Granted, Edmonton threw the ball a league-high 666 times, meaning the O-line was in a vulnerable spot.
But Winnipeg threw the pigskin 645 times and only gave up 27 sacks.
The Esks were also abysmal on short-yardage plays, but Brennan wasn't the key architect of that scheme.
QUICK HITS ...
Scott Squires didn't return phone calls after his dismissal yesterday. But the former special teams coach will be missed by some people, even though the unit gave up six touchdowns against this year.
"A lot of things that happened weren't Scott's fault," said linebacker A.J. Gass. "He was more a victim of player busts than bad schematics."
FINISH LINES ...
Former Esk Tim Prinsen is being mentioned as a possible replacement for Brennan ... Maciocia has offered new contracts for 2008 to his remaining assistant coaches, but is waiting for word of acceptance. He wants the entire coaching staff in place by Feb. 3 ... The club is apparently close to signing RB Damien Anderson to a contract extension ... Chief scout Paul Jones will be retained for another season.
Survivor Edmonton
While Chapdelaine takes the fall, Maciocia will stay and only time will tell if that was the right call
By TERRY JONES
When the pro and college coaches gather together for the annual coaches convention in Anaheim in January, they should give Danny Maciocia a standing ovation.
Well done, young man!
It's an all-time survival story.
How many times in all of football history has a team of tradition had a coach who missed the playoffs for the first time in 35 years only to earn a promotion to become director of football operations as well as keeping his head coaching job?
How many have followed such a season with the worst record in 38 seasons and missed the playoffs back-to-back for the first time in 41 and 42 seasons? And still stayed employed? In both jobs?
The answer is none.
But he's still head coach and director of football operations of the Edmonton Eskimos.
IT ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE
The stupid thing is that a great deal of this actually makes sense.
Instead of Maciocia's head rolling, the CFL's longtime flagship franchise has decided to tie the can to Jacques Chapdelaine, offensive co-ordinator, associate head coach and head coach in training. Maciocia also fired special teams coach Scott Squires and offensive line coach Carl Brennan.
Chapdelaine's complicated offensive system was ridiculous, especially with a team making so many changes. And his people skills with both the players and the rest of the staff was found to be abysmal.
And when it comes to Squires, his special teams gave up six of the nine touchdowns against in the league this year, four on interceptions and two on blocked punts. There were five blocked punts during the year. See ya.
Brennan didn't get it done replacing longtime offensive line coach Bill Macdermott. The Eskimos gave up the second most sacks in the league.
The problem here is that Maciocia hired them all last year!
He called Chapdelaine the team's most important off-season acquisition and was convinced that Squires, with no previous CFL experience, would be brilliant.
The year before he gunned Ron Lancaster Jr., Dennis Winston and moved Macdermott into a new position.
Now Maciocia has kept his job but sacked six coaches in those two seasons!?
There's also the belief that quarterbacks coach Rick Worman, who sent Ricky Ray to the Eskimos in the first place, is going to replace Chapdelaine. That might mean Maciocia is going to go back to being hands-on. It could, effectively, give him two and a half jobs.
Ricky Ray, who is entering his option year, is a factor here. The most important move Maciocia must first make is to sign the best quarterback in the league to a new contract. By keeping Maciocia, LeLacheur has virtually ensured he'll keep his No. 1 asset, which isn't his head coach.
DIDN'T LOSE HIS TEAM
LeLacheur also accurately read the fact Maciocia didn't lose his team.
Despite the troubles, the Eskimos played hard for their coach and want to continue playing for him. By keeping him, there's not going to be an exodus of free agents.
But how does Paul Jones, the talent scout, stay employed? The Eskimos didn't have one all-star this year and haven't had a CFL award winner since 2002.
LeLacheur 's reasoning with Maciocia was simple.
"This gives us the best opportunity to win in 2008. We need the continuity, particularly at head coach and director of football operations."
Despite the comedy/tragedy, damned-if-he-does, damned-if-he-doesn't, rock and a hard place position LeLacheur is in, I buy that.
"I'm confident that we have a solid foundation," LeLacheur added, however.
Solid foundation?
The only area where the Eskimos are solid is at quarterback if Ray stays. There's no running game and next to no receivers. The defensive line has holes, two of the three linebackers are old and special teams a disaster with a new kicker next year.
The bottom line is that if the Eskimos have six wins including a couple against Calgary by mid-season everybody will look brilliant.
But if they have six losses by Labour Day, the flagship franchise is going to look like a ship of fools.
While Chapdelaine takes the fall, Maciocia will stay and only time will tell if that was the right call
By TERRY JONES
When the pro and college coaches gather together for the annual coaches convention in Anaheim in January, they should give Danny Maciocia a standing ovation.
Well done, young man!
It's an all-time survival story.
How many times in all of football history has a team of tradition had a coach who missed the playoffs for the first time in 35 years only to earn a promotion to become director of football operations as well as keeping his head coaching job?
How many have followed such a season with the worst record in 38 seasons and missed the playoffs back-to-back for the first time in 41 and 42 seasons? And still stayed employed? In both jobs?
The answer is none.
But he's still head coach and director of football operations of the Edmonton Eskimos.
IT ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE
The stupid thing is that a great deal of this actually makes sense.
Instead of Maciocia's head rolling, the CFL's longtime flagship franchise has decided to tie the can to Jacques Chapdelaine, offensive co-ordinator, associate head coach and head coach in training. Maciocia also fired special teams coach Scott Squires and offensive line coach Carl Brennan.
Chapdelaine's complicated offensive system was ridiculous, especially with a team making so many changes. And his people skills with both the players and the rest of the staff was found to be abysmal.
And when it comes to Squires, his special teams gave up six of the nine touchdowns against in the league this year, four on interceptions and two on blocked punts. There were five blocked punts during the year. See ya.
Brennan didn't get it done replacing longtime offensive line coach Bill Macdermott. The Eskimos gave up the second most sacks in the league.
The problem here is that Maciocia hired them all last year!
He called Chapdelaine the team's most important off-season acquisition and was convinced that Squires, with no previous CFL experience, would be brilliant.
The year before he gunned Ron Lancaster Jr., Dennis Winston and moved Macdermott into a new position.
Now Maciocia has kept his job but sacked six coaches in those two seasons!?
There's also the belief that quarterbacks coach Rick Worman, who sent Ricky Ray to the Eskimos in the first place, is going to replace Chapdelaine. That might mean Maciocia is going to go back to being hands-on. It could, effectively, give him two and a half jobs.
Ricky Ray, who is entering his option year, is a factor here. The most important move Maciocia must first make is to sign the best quarterback in the league to a new contract. By keeping Maciocia, LeLacheur has virtually ensured he'll keep his No. 1 asset, which isn't his head coach.
DIDN'T LOSE HIS TEAM
LeLacheur also accurately read the fact Maciocia didn't lose his team.
Despite the troubles, the Eskimos played hard for their coach and want to continue playing for him. By keeping him, there's not going to be an exodus of free agents.
But how does Paul Jones, the talent scout, stay employed? The Eskimos didn't have one all-star this year and haven't had a CFL award winner since 2002.
LeLacheur 's reasoning with Maciocia was simple.
"This gives us the best opportunity to win in 2008. We need the continuity, particularly at head coach and director of football operations."
Despite the comedy/tragedy, damned-if-he-does, damned-if-he-doesn't, rock and a hard place position LeLacheur is in, I buy that.
"I'm confident that we have a solid foundation," LeLacheur added, however.
Solid foundation?
The only area where the Eskimos are solid is at quarterback if Ray stays. There's no running game and next to no receivers. The defensive line has holes, two of the three linebackers are old and special teams a disaster with a new kicker next year.
The bottom line is that if the Eskimos have six wins including a couple against Calgary by mid-season everybody will look brilliant.
But if they have six losses by Labour Day, the flagship franchise is going to look like a ship of fools.
Family support crucial in coach's decision to stay
By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON, EDMONTON SUN
Danny Maciocia would have walked away from the Edmonton Eskimos this fall if he didn't have the support inside his own home.
While Maciocia is now officially going to return as head coach and director of football operations for 2008, the real decision on his future was made between him and his wife Sandra Vaz.
"When we first moved here six years ago I told her it could be in the middle of the third quarter - if she felt she had enough of this game and being here, all she had to do was tell me and I would just turn and wave to the fans and walk off the field," said Maciocia.
"That is exactly how I feel.
"Clearly, she appreciates what I do for a living."
Maciocia and Sandra Vaz are expecting their third child in January.
Their oldest daughter - Bianca - has been taking criticism from kids at school for the Eskimos' dismal performance on the field.
It all means that support from his wife and family was vital to returning to the job for 2008.
"It was absolutely huge," said Maciocia on the family support.
"She knows this is not a fun time. I just wanted to make sure they were ready to make the sacrifices that I think need to be made here to get this thing turned around.
"I have got their full support and at the end of the day when I go to work I can function and be at peace of mind and not worry about what is taking place at home."
FINISH LINES ...
The Eskimos have now officially signed non-imports (LB) Agustin Barrenechea and (OL) Aaron Fiacconi to three-year contracts
By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON, EDMONTON SUN
Danny Maciocia would have walked away from the Edmonton Eskimos this fall if he didn't have the support inside his own home.
While Maciocia is now officially going to return as head coach and director of football operations for 2008, the real decision on his future was made between him and his wife Sandra Vaz.
"When we first moved here six years ago I told her it could be in the middle of the third quarter - if she felt she had enough of this game and being here, all she had to do was tell me and I would just turn and wave to the fans and walk off the field," said Maciocia.
"That is exactly how I feel.
"Clearly, she appreciates what I do for a living."
Maciocia and Sandra Vaz are expecting their third child in January.
Their oldest daughter - Bianca - has been taking criticism from kids at school for the Eskimos' dismal performance on the field.
It all means that support from his wife and family was vital to returning to the job for 2008.
"It was absolutely huge," said Maciocia on the family support.
"She knows this is not a fun time. I just wanted to make sure they were ready to make the sacrifices that I think need to be made here to get this thing turned around.
"I have got their full support and at the end of the day when I go to work I can function and be at peace of mind and not worry about what is taking place at home."
FINISH LINES ...
The Eskimos have now officially signed non-imports (LB) Agustin Barrenechea and (OL) Aaron Fiacconi to three-year contracts
Worman the favourite
Quarterbacks coach the logical choice to replace Chapdelaine as offensive co-ordinator
By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON, SUN MEDIA
Unless something drastic happens soon, Rick Worman is the overwhelming favourite to be the next offensive co-ordinator for the Edmonton Eskimos.
In the wake of Jacques Chapdelaine being fired yesterday, Worman is the logical choice to be promoted from quarterbacks coach to the offensive boss.
"I would certainly be interested in it depending on the particulars of what the demands of the job would be and what direction the team wants to go," said Worman, who hasn't been offered the position yet.
"But I also have a family in California that I am heading home to (today) and they will be a part of that decision as well because I do know how demanding it is and what the off-season entails.
"There are a lot of things from my perspective that I believe I can do (without) necessarily being here but that isn't all my decision.
"But I don't want to get the cart ahead of the horse because I haven't been offered anything.
"I think we all need to unwind and probably pick some discussions up the first part of December."
Worman's success as a CFL offensive co-ordinator and clear ability to work well with head coach Danny Maciocia are the key reasons why he's the lone name at the top of the list at the moment to replace Chapdelaine.
"I think he is a strong candidate for that position," said Maciocia. "The last time he was a co-ordinator in 2001 he led Winnipeg to the Grey Cup game."
Based on that offence, Worman would bring a bigger emphasis on the run game to the Eskimos' huddle if he gets the job.
"We led the league for most of the year (2001) - I think we were one or two by the end of the year in rushing and we definitely led the league in passing," continued Worman, a former CFL quarterback.
"Khari Jones was the most valuable player in the league and Milt Stegall led the league (in receiving). I wouldn't say it's a 50-50 balance but it certainly is a big part of the game - to rush the football."
Edmonton averaged just 5.0 yards per carry in 2007, marking the third-worst total in the CFL.
On the flip side, Edmonton led the league in passing attempts - throwing the ball a stunning 666 times over 18 games, for an average of 37 times a tilt. In comparison, the Esks rushed the ball just 315 times - dead last in the CFL this season.
Needless to say, defences knew Edmonton's pass-first tendency.
Quarterbacks coach the logical choice to replace Chapdelaine as offensive co-ordinator
By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON, SUN MEDIA
Unless something drastic happens soon, Rick Worman is the overwhelming favourite to be the next offensive co-ordinator for the Edmonton Eskimos.
In the wake of Jacques Chapdelaine being fired yesterday, Worman is the logical choice to be promoted from quarterbacks coach to the offensive boss.
"I would certainly be interested in it depending on the particulars of what the demands of the job would be and what direction the team wants to go," said Worman, who hasn't been offered the position yet.
"But I also have a family in California that I am heading home to (today) and they will be a part of that decision as well because I do know how demanding it is and what the off-season entails.
"There are a lot of things from my perspective that I believe I can do (without) necessarily being here but that isn't all my decision.
"But I don't want to get the cart ahead of the horse because I haven't been offered anything.
"I think we all need to unwind and probably pick some discussions up the first part of December."
Worman's success as a CFL offensive co-ordinator and clear ability to work well with head coach Danny Maciocia are the key reasons why he's the lone name at the top of the list at the moment to replace Chapdelaine.
"I think he is a strong candidate for that position," said Maciocia. "The last time he was a co-ordinator in 2001 he led Winnipeg to the Grey Cup game."
Based on that offence, Worman would bring a bigger emphasis on the run game to the Eskimos' huddle if he gets the job.
"We led the league for most of the year (2001) - I think we were one or two by the end of the year in rushing and we definitely led the league in passing," continued Worman, a former CFL quarterback.
"Khari Jones was the most valuable player in the league and Milt Stegall led the league (in receiving). I wouldn't say it's a 50-50 balance but it certainly is a big part of the game - to rush the football."
Edmonton averaged just 5.0 yards per carry in 2007, marking the third-worst total in the CFL.
On the flip side, Edmonton led the league in passing attempts - throwing the ball a stunning 666 times over 18 games, for an average of 37 times a tilt. In comparison, the Esks rushed the ball just 315 times - dead last in the CFL this season.
Needless to say, defences knew Edmonton's pass-first tendency.
Ray contract a priority
By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON, EDMONTON SUN
The Eskimos are in the early stages of working on a contract offer for quarterback Ricky Ray.
Team management and Ray's agent are talking, with the club's most valuable player wanting to get a new deal done soon. Ray is set to enter the option year on his ultra-rich current deal - believed to be $455,000 a year - in 2008.
"I'd like to get something done before camp and hopefully in the next week or two would be nice," said Ray, who separated his throwing shoulder on Sept. 28 and missed the rest of the season.
With the NFL no longer on his radar, Ray would like a long-term contract.
"I definitely want to be here for the next few years," continued Ray. "If I had it my way it would be nice to play your whole career in one place."
At 28 years of age, Ray has been to the Grey Cup three times in just five seasons in Edmonton. While that likely won't play a huge factor in an offer sheet, whether or not the salary cap limit moves up from $4.05 million will.
By JONATHAN HUNTINGTON, EDMONTON SUN
The Eskimos are in the early stages of working on a contract offer for quarterback Ricky Ray.
Team management and Ray's agent are talking, with the club's most valuable player wanting to get a new deal done soon. Ray is set to enter the option year on his ultra-rich current deal - believed to be $455,000 a year - in 2008.
"I'd like to get something done before camp and hopefully in the next week or two would be nice," said Ray, who separated his throwing shoulder on Sept. 28 and missed the rest of the season.
With the NFL no longer on his radar, Ray would like a long-term contract.
"I definitely want to be here for the next few years," continued Ray. "If I had it my way it would be nice to play your whole career in one place."
At 28 years of age, Ray has been to the Grey Cup three times in just five seasons in Edmonton. While that likely won't play a huge factor in an offer sheet, whether or not the salary cap limit moves up from $4.05 million will.
So this is now 6 coaches fired over 2 seasons when it seems all that needs to be removed is 1. 
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