Captain Blue

Well hopefully the dominoes start falling.

Also, does anyone else think Benevides maybe isn't the easiest guy to get along with? Seems a little weird that two guys turned down opportunities on an established team with a proven QB. If people are gonna speculate about the Bombers, these questions should be asked about the Lions.

This is interesting. If we did interview Khari, which appears likely, it would also then appear likely that O'Shea wasn't thrilled with him. And you know what? I'm good with that, while he may be an up-and-comer, it's not like the track record is that great. I am more just interested to see who we get since the race is on for these spots and teams...

I don't care who it is as long as they make the reffing better. It has been crap in this league for far too long.

Re: Philosophies. The comparison to Greg Marshall in my opinion has strengths and weaknesses. For one, I think Marshall's been overvalued for quite some time. Maybe it's because I don't remember his work in the early '00s but for as long as I can remember, he hasn't put forth many strong defenses. Like Kavis Reed, I would suggest that he is working off of his reputation more than actual results. Can you make the same argument with Stubler? Probably, but I don't think it's as strong. He's had more recent success, though I realize 'success' is hard to define here and will vary by each person's definition. Perhaps some of the philosophies are similar to Marshall's, but he just executes better. I can't say I'm a fan of the philosophy (I much prefer an aggressive, blitzing defense for CFL offenses) but I think his ideas have merit.

You know, you gotta wonder about Benevides in BC. Getting rid of or mutually parting with two very proven and successful coordinators. Not saying he was wrong to do it, but you have to wonder how he expects to upgrade there. Wonder if Barron Miles will be the top choice.

Are we sure he will switch our base formation? I don't think that is a guarantee. I love 34 defenses though.

Something I found interesting on a Google search: That was after the playoff loss (link). Regardless after giving it some thought this is a pretty solid hire for O'Shea. Stubler has a proven track record (one that has more success than failure) and one that has a lot of experience in this league (valuable considering how young this whole staff is). While O'Shea is a huge wild card, I would argue he can't possibly be any worse than Burke and so this makes it 2/2 in upgrades at the coaching staff spots right now in my opinion.

Kirk Penton ‏@PentonKirk19m I'm hearing Rich Stubler will be the next #Bombers defensive co-ordinator. Makes sense given his history with O'Shea.

Initial take: Holy crap. That would be an impressive hire. Second take: His stock has seemingly taken a hit since his Toronto days (and prior to that I guess). And is he only leaving BC because of his relationship with O'Shea, or is there more to it?

I have it on good authority that one half of the jersey is RED and the other half is BLACK. The colours are known as REDBLACK RED and REDBLACK BLACK.

I think LaPo would have been my hire there.

via Kirk Penton http://www.winnipegsun.com/2013/12/04/oshea-goes-straight-to-work-building-blue-bombers-coaching-staff Miles is interesting. All three are former players, which intrigues me too. I'm sure its just coincidence (player-turned-coach are nothing new) but I wonder if he's targeting them more. I don't know about anyone else, but I have soured a bit on Khari as OC. With a head coach that has a defensive and special teams background, I am worried Khari isn't ready to be the top offensive mind on a football team yet. I'm not saying it won't work out (maybe he's great, he did well in Hamilton under MB) but I want someone...stronger, if that makes sense. Someone that's been around a little longer, not necessarily someone that has more OC time than Khari. It's a grey criteria, I know, but its been nagging at me.

The year that Kavis Reed was our DC our defence was pretty good. So I am curious as to why he would be a no for you? What were you watching in 2010? Cleo Lemon made Kavis Reed look like a fool every time he played us. In 2010 the Bombers were the second best team in yards allowed and had the best defence against the pass. (Again, in terms of yards allowed.) In terms of points per game the #1 team gave up 24 points a game where as the Bombers gave up a whopping 3 more points on average per game. That's with a pile of crap for an offence that often did not leave the defence in great position. When Kavis Reed was here, he did a good job. Again, I just don't understand why he would be a definite no for someone. Personally I think Kavis Reed has been tremendously overrated throughout his career. It's not like he's creating great defenses (or STs) where ever he goes.

I liked the "this is an organization has, frankly, produced more jokes than wins" line. I thought O'Shea was gonna have an aneurysm.

Where are Paul Friesen's tweets? I must know Paul's opinion on this because he is a very wise and smart man.

Finally got some of video of the presser. Thoughts: 1) Speaks very well. Somewhat reminds me of LaPo when he wanted teachers (to me, that is a good thing). 2) He has good grasp on how to deal with players, what he wants from them, etc. Liked that a lot. 3) One question I have is what sort of schemes he wants. As much as this team needs motivation and effort and discipline, we also need some better Xs and Os. Past years we've played checkers while everyone else is playing chess. We need to make improvements in that area. Specifically to O'Shea, wonder how he wants to run this defense. Will the 4-3* stick? 4) The media in this town are awful. Ask better questions! *Well aware that with so much variation per down teams really can't be classified as 3-4/4-3 anymore, but still want to know what sort of base and strategy he'll want.

I like Marcus Brady a lot. If they want to offer him a promotion to AsstHC and OC here I'd be for it. Bring over the Milanovich offense.

I really think Collaros will be here, but then again I thought Reilly was gonna be here last year and that went sideways. Ideally I'd like to nab two QBs if possible.

I am really interested to see the coords. He was not my first choice but I am can see why they like him. Looking forward to the O'Shea era. Tremendous leader, high character guy. Interested to see what his philosophy will be as a HC.

That's not exactly what he said...I caught it on the way home and he said, and stay with me here guys because I know this sounds loony, but O'Shea essentially be the actual HC but bypass on the HC gig and just 'accept' a DC position here, thus allowing Cortez to be promoted from Sask OC to our HC as more of a figurehead title. O'Shea would be the HC but actually hold the DC title, and Cortez would be the OC but have the HC title. Ya... Does that sound as stupid to you as it does to me? I wanted to punch his face through my radio. In fairness I usually have that reaction to Lawless, but it was a stronger emotion after that. Because in Gary's world, he believes you can just do whatever you want. Fake titles for everyone! Hire all the candidates!

That's not exactly what he said...I caught it on the way home and he said, and stay with me here guys because I know this sounds loony, but O'Shea essentially be the actual HC but bypass on the HC gig and just 'accept' a DC position here, thus allowing Cortez to be promoted from Sask OC to our HC as more of a figurehead title. O'Shea would be the HC but actually hold the DC title, and Cortez would be the OC but have the HC title. Ya...

I like Cortez, even if he strikes me as a royal a-hole. I think he would be similar to Doug Berry, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. If we hire MB I will flip out. Do not want. I am hoping that it was more just out of courtesy. If I am choosing out of this list I would take Cortez, O'Shea and Khari- in that order.

Tim Burke is a helluva DC and Toronto is getting one of the best. I would take Burke over Jones, personally. Hated him as HC here but I respect his defensive acumen.

I like that the hires have experience in the league and that we're creating a team of management around Walters. If this is the influence of Miller or Walters, or both, I like the direction they are going.