TrueBlue

Both threads say the same time.

I commend the BOD for thinking outside of the box on this one.

Agree 100%. A HC needs a different skill set than an OC. So your basically saying OCs are not suited to be head coaches?

There's a week in there for deals. That's when it will happen, if it does at all.

In any given season, a head coach’s mark on a team is only as prominent as its record. A poor coach can still have a team that has some success. I would say the team could do well with Burke next year with the proper roster changes, but it would be in spite of Burke, not because of him.

Results from the Winnipeg Sun poll: http://www.winnipegsun.com/2013/11/07/you-be-the-bombers-boss-the-results

Works the other way too if Redblacks value the non-import talent that the have Argos more than the Collaros. Could draft a QB like Glenn and develop a QB for 2-3 years. just saying, there's a potential coup here for the GM of a team that needs to improve at O-Line and QB right away. So if Ottawa is going to 1) draft a QB under contract from Calgary (likely Glen or Tate)); 2) opt to take a non-QB import from Argos so as to maximize NI talent from Argos; and 3) not draft soon to be free agent Collaros, who may simply refuse any offers from Redblacks and await free agency to see how high Bombers will go (all of which makes sense to me), does this mean Walters can play chicken with Barker, and either refuse to give up a first round pick and wait for free agency to snag Collaros, or alternatively hold out for a lower pick like a second or third? I wouldn't be advising Walter's to be taking an approach like this. We're not exactly in the driver's seat here. If there's something we've set our sights on acquiring, we need to step up to the plate and get it. We'd be taking a huge risk to let Collaros sit until free agency. The time to grab him is before the draft. A part of me feels the same way. But on the other hand, who else will really try and acquire him before free agency, other than maybe Ottawa. It does not make sense for the other teams, who already have a number one QB. Montreal may have considered it earlier, but with Troy Smith, I can't see them giving up a high draft pick to Toronto to have a few months to try and sign Collaros. And why would Collaros sign with anyone before hearing all the offers, including ours? I know we've been burnt by the Reilly affair, but really is there anyone, other than possibly Ottawa that is in the same position as us to offer him a clear path to starting, and a large starters salary that is not limited by having to pay big dollars to another QB on the roster? I would hate to lose Collaros, but it irritates me that we may be giving up a high draft pick that could result in a quality starting NI O-lineman, when we likely will be able to sign him if we wait until free agency. And although I like Collaros, how certain are we that he is a definite improvement over someone like Willy? Is the difference between the two worth giving up the second overall pick, especially when giving it up is only going to let you talk to him a few months earlier, and not guarantee that you actually sign him? Is there not a way, short of tampering, that we can make it known to him and his agent, that if he waits until free agency, we will make it worth his while? I doubt we’d have to give up the 2nd overall pick. Especially just for the opportunity to enter into negotiations with him. If we sign him, maybe there’s a conditional pick involved, but to me, that would be worth it. To be honest, I can’t see Ottawa not taking one of Collaros or Willy if available. If we want to go after the one we want, we need to do it before the draft. If not, Ottawa takes the one they want, and then the other is possibly re-signed before free agency. Don’t think that Toronto and Saskatchewan don’t know the value of a good backup. If they can get past the dispersal with their backups still on the team, they may find a way to extend them. We’d be taking a big risk hoping that one (or both) of them make it to free agency, and even then there are no guarantees we get either one.

Works the other way too if Redblacks value the non-import talent that the have Argos more than the Collaros. Could draft a QB like Glenn and develop a QB for 2-3 years. just saying, there's a potential coup here for the GM of a team that needs to improve at O-Line and QB right away. So if Ottawa is going to 1) draft a QB under contract from Calgary (likely Glen or Tate)); 2) opt to take a non-QB import from Argos so as to maximize NI talent from Argos; and 3) not draft soon to be free agent Collaros, who may simply refuse any offers from Redblacks and await free agency to see how high Bombers will go (all of which makes sense to me), does this mean Walters can play chicken with Barker, and either refuse to give up a first round pick and wait for free agency to snag Collaros, or alternatively hold out for a lower pick like a second or third? I wouldn't be advising Walter's to be taking an approach like this. We're not exactly in the driver's seat here. If there's something we've set our sights on acquiring, we need to step up to the plate and get it. We'd be taking a huge risk to let Collaros sit until free agency. The time to grab him is before the draft.

Would that completion percentage and TD:INT ratio be as good if he had played more games though?

But are you assuming that if we hire an offensive minded head coach that he is going to meddle or be the one calling the plays, just like Lapo and Kelly did?Kelly was the OC as well as HC. True he was. So it's obvious Kelly could not handle both jobs.

Yeah imagine if we had fired Burke after going 4-6. Oh wait....

These ladies:

But are you assuming that if we hire an offensive minded head coach that he is going to meddle or be the one calling the plays, just like Lapo and Kelly did?

Head Coach In my eyes, we need an offensive minded head coach to right this ship. I’d want someone who has plenty of experience running an effective CFL offense year in and year out. I have two candidates whom I would want to talk with, Dave Dickenson and Jacques Chapdelaine. We know that Dickenson wants to be a head coach in this league. Chapdelaine is more of the quiet achiever, and is unclear as to if he feels he is ready for the challenge and more responsibility. Given the challenges the new coach will have, and the all likelihood that some QB grooming will be a part of the job, I would have to point my pen to Dickenson. I would talk to the Stamps before the West Final and make it known that we’re interested in talking with him as soon as possible after the season, so that we could make him our offer. I’m not sure what his current salary is in Calgary, but I’d believe that he is likely the top paid OC in the league, and could even be making more than a head coach or two. I’d make sure he was heartedly compensated, factoring a significant increase in pay (in the 25% range), in addition to the cost of living increase and travel expense benefits that I would offer. Pre-Dispersal Draft Like most, I am going after Collaros pre-draft and seeing what Barker is looking for as a trade to part with him. I’d be prepared to offer him our 2014 3rd rounder. There would also be a conditional 2nd round pick in 2015 when he signs an extension. *Nobody mentioned post trade with Collaros, what the deal would be to get him extended. I’d offer him a base of $165k, with incentives to bring him to around $280k which include performance bonues and wins. I’d offer him a $40k bonus in 2015 contingent on at least a .500 season and playoff appearance. I would obviously also be aggressively trying to work a deal with Henoc. I would try explaining to him what he has built here in this city in his tenure, and that his best possible opportunity of becoming a stable icon and anchored part of the defense are with us. I would reiterate that our defense compliments his style of play and to think about whether he wants to be a journeyman or a long term part of this franchise. I’d be prepared to offer him Shea Emery-type money up front, but would go as far as saying that if he wanted to test free agency that we would of course match any offer he would get. Dispersal Draft Protections QB: Collaros 1st set of non-imports: Muamba, Neufeld, Watson, Greaves, Kohlert, Pencer Imports: Washington, Stewart, Gilmore, Anderson, Sears, Kelly, Woods, January, Turner, Wild 2nd set of non-imports: Etienne, Labbe, Poblah, Thomas (if he’s taken then Swiston), Volny, and likely Foster That being all said, perhaps Ottawa maybe takes Denmark, Edwards, Suber or possibly Thomas from us. Between Dispersal Draft & Free Agency I’m making sure I am on dial with what FA linemen will be in all likelihood become available. I’m also on the lookout for a veteran DB, but not necessarily an FA. I express interest in one of Banks, Marsh or Phillips, as it will be likely that one of them was left unprotected through the dispersal draft. If the rumours about Harris indeed show that he is likely to hit the market as well. I might get on the phone to Buono to see if we could make a conditional deal happen of some sort. I’d forfeit a rotational player to get an exclusive window to talk personally with Harris or his agent. At the very least though, I have got his agent on speed dial so that 1 minute into free agency, I am laying out our best offer. Free Agency Primary is clearly Henoc, if not signed. I need to make sure he’s committed to giving us a shot at matching any offer that comes his way. My other priorities in no particular order are: Kohlert, Stewart, Ford, Gilmore and Etienne. I’d express my interest in Simpson still and see where his head is at, but they may be dependent on what happens with Harris. I’d be willing to re-sign him pending a physical. Matthews will need to know as well that he still has a spot here if the NFL thing doesn’t work out. On the Canadian side I’m offering contracts to Pontbriand, Labbe, Foster and Parenteau, although I don’t think any of those will be too challenging. I’d offer courtesy contracts to Mainor and Suber as well, but I am not selling the farm for them. We will also be pursuing the US for additional talent: -Receivers who are good possession types, who are comfortable in traffic, and good route runners. -Quick defensive ends that can use their hands effectively. -DBs that are aggressive who can play man defense with consistency. Draft It is likely that we target Lavertu for his ability at centre, and the potential that he could fit into the lineup quicker than a developmental guy. After that, I’m looking at kickers, DL, and possibly more depth in the secondary and quick guys who can play special teams. Neg List We’ll purge the list and reevaluate each player on it to see what the viability is of keeping them on it or not. I for one am keen on ensuring any players on the neg list are made known of it by way of actual contact with the player, or with the agent of the player. A regular review of our prospects will be done on a regular basis throughout the season.

Just curious as to what makes you think that Saskatchewan doesn't just resign Willy after the DD? http://ckom.com/story/drew-willy-starting-vs-eskimos/147195 free agent about half way down Is this what you are referring to? What am I missing here?

Just curious as to what makes you think that Saskatchewan doesn't just resign Willy after the DD?

Can you elaborate more on the "Get Collaros or Willy"? You're the first one here to comment on Drew Willy. Maybe you could explain why you would want Willy, and what you would do to get him here. You're the GM, make it happen.

Interesting. Chapdelaine and Dickenson were going to be my finalists. I'll be posting my reasoning tomorrow.

There's no need to get Tate. I can't see any sequence of events that can happen this offseason where we would have to settle for him. Not with what other options are/will be available to us.

So all of you guys who are in the "I'm with Mike" club, you'd do the same deal for Collaros?

Wow some good stuff here guys. Keep it coming. gbill2004, I'm interested in your opinion. What would you do?

Nichols is likely not even on Ottawa's radar. Willy is a free agent and Levi (as in Bo Levi?) and LeFevour will be protected.

Plenty of good conversation going on here in the last few days, and good on everyone for keeping most of it civil and open for debate. I was going to post this in a couple of weeks but figured if members want to take the time before putting in their posts, might as well start the challenge now. Our local writers will often put in a “You be the GM” article asking fans to pick from multiple choice answers to dictate what they would do in the off-season. This off-season will be a particularly challenging/exciting off-season where a vast multitude of events can happen, and only the well prepared will survive with a good grade. So I ask those who have the opportunity, to voice your tasks, in order, if you were named the permanent GM of this team tomorrow. Please detail your plans throughout the time from now until at least after the Canadian draft. This includes these key events: -Hiring a head coach -Transactions before the dispersal draft -Players protected from the draft -Transactions after the dispersal draft -Free agency -Canadian draft If you want to go into signings of rookies/players south of border, including the addition of players to the neg list, by all means. The more detailed the better. I only have two rules about this thread: 1) Try to be descriptive about your decisions. For example, if you want to trade for Collaros prior to the dispersal draft, state who you are trading and why. Try your best to make these trades sound reasonable. 2) Members can discuss/challenge someone’s decisions, but it will be left at that. This isn’t meant to be a pissing match, or about calling names to people who may not have a difference of opinions. We’re all encouraged to take part in this. So take some time if you need to, or get right at it. I’m excited to see what everyone thinks. PS- I of course plan to contribute as well. I need a few days to gather my thoughts, so expect something from me by the end of the week.

I wouldn't say that trading our #2 pick for Collaros is a fleecing at all. I'd say it's a pretty fair trade for both teams.

To be fair, Chamblin walked into a relatively comfy gig in Saskatchewan that was no where near as bad as what is waiting for the new guy here. Khari doesn't seem to be a guy ready for that kind of adversity yet. They were 5-13. There defense was a mess. I'll give you they had a quarterback but no running back, lacked quality import WRs offensive line was a mess. Record aside, the structure of the team and the front office were still fairly sound. The foundation was there to build off. The term "comfy" is used loosely, but still, it was a far better circumstance to walk into.