Written by: Dave Turnbull
It’s been an offseason like no other in the CFL, with many major moves and coaching announcements happening even before the holidays. In Winnipeg, perhaps the biggest news of the year was retaining Defensive Coordinator Tim Burke who was passed over for the head coaching job in Hamilton last week.
With all the moves made by division rivals over the past few weeks, the Blue Bombers still have a lot of work to do when it comes to signing some key potential free agents – including three quarterbacks – as well as finding a new Offensive Coordinator.
With still over a month until the free agency period opens up, Blue Bomber General Manager says his Club is still on schedule to lock up their free agents, specifically starting quarterback Buck Pierce.
“[Buck’s] relationship with Winnipeg and with myself is outstanding,” says Mack. “He expressed that he does not foresee any problems at all, and I don’t either.”
Pierce made a commitment to the city last year by settling down in the winter and becoming a fulltime resident and the city has welcomed him with open arms. He is very involved in the community throughout the year and was named the recipient of the Ed Kotowich Award last season which is given to a player who excels both on the field as well as in the community.
“I think Buck is an experienced guy that understands his resume, understands what he means to the team and I think we’ll be able to get that done,” said Mack.
When it comes to the coaching staff, the Blue Bombers are still looking for an Offensive Coordinator as well as a receivers coach since Chris Wiesehan decided to pursue another coaching opportunity at the University of Hawaii.
Mack is very encouraged by discussions he’s had with some candidates who have actually approached him about the possibility of coming north.
“Paul [LaPolice] and I have had a lot of discussions,” said Mack. “We’ve kind of expanded the scope somewhat beyond maybe just strictly people with CFL experience.”
Mack says there are a handful of people with either NFL or NCAA experience who have expressed interest in coming to Winnipeg and speaking about the vacant OC job.
The Bombers don’t have a timeline in place as to when they will make an announcement on the OC position, but they haven’t ruled out the possibility of whoever it is taking over the offensive play-calling.
