HardCoreBlue

If I was Winnipeg, I wouldn't be trying to trade for competition for Collaros. The big selling point we have over other teams at the moment is that he would be the clear cut starter. Start acquiring pieces to compete with him and all of a sudden, we're no different than Hamilton or Montreal. I would find it odd that if we land Collaros we would annoint him our starting QB prior to training camp. There has to be a little push on him to deliver AND we need depth. I would also hope that if we weren't able to land Collaros, our brain trust doesn't throw up their hands and say 'now what?'

To me and based on history it makes sense that Paul Lapolice may have determined it wasn't a good fit for him in BC regardless of his TSN employment. IF Wally Buono still has direct decision-making powers over on-field gameday strategies/direction, it has the potential to lead to conflict. When Mr. Lapolice was here, he did seem to come across as someone who needed a high level of control (See OC) which ironically may not reasonate completely with Mr. Buono. For LaPo to be consistently successful as a coach at any level (he knows his x's and o's for sure), my observations tell me he needs to work on empowering people around him and relinquishing control as appropriate.

Oh that's who you played for in high school. Makes sense now. Well, I played on a baseball team called the switch hitters, it was awesome. The other teams so enjoyed us.

Well, sometimes the challenge is the incentive and possibly more opportunities to evolve his career.

"The Bombers do have players with a ton of talent, he said, though he noted you can’t see character on tape – or measure the effect of lack of confidence'. From the freep. Well said, let's hope he's a good judge. Good first impression.

Of course, I missed all that because the live feed didn't work & CJOB cut out shortly after getting some quick analysis from Bob Irving & Doug Brown. Guess I'll have to go on the Bomber website later & watch.Not having Creehan back as DC would be a great thing. I actually wouldn't be surprised if Stubler ends up coming here to be the DC, now that O'Shea is the Head coach. Along the same line of thinking, wonder if Jarious Jackson (don't know what his contractual obligations are) would leave BC to come over as QB coach or a role with more responsibilities?

You loved the George Cortez hire, so I'm okay with your opinion. Compare their coaching resumes before making the jump to HC and you would see why. Far as I can see O'shea was hired because ... 1. He was a good player on good teams. 2 . He coached something. You're right. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that he is regarded as one of the best on-field leaders in the history of the CFL. I'll jump in on this one. Although I was hoping for Cortez, I don't mind the hire and yes, you're right, great on-field leader in O'shea. However, the 64 dollar question that will be answered in time, does that translate into being a great head coach? I hope so. Look at Wayne Gretzky, great on-ice leader, average Head coach. It's not always a slam dunk. But anything looks good right now considering what we've endured that past few seasons and the direction our expectations took, e.g., wanting to win to getting a high draft pick.

Cortez reportedly made $300k in Hamilton. Burke made $225 last season. Not a huge difference. You more times than not get what you pay for. If the Bombers are relunctant to understand this concept when it comes to key positions at the player or management level, they can't be surprised by negative results that ensue and will have to accept we will continue to be mediocre if we continue to fool ourselves. Giving Khari Jones the keys to this football club because he would come with a cheaper price tag and coupled with errenous rationalizations (such as being a former Bomber) and over-rating of what he brings to the table to justify this decision will more than likely not turn out well. Especially in sport where careers tend to be short, compensation can not be compromised when it comes to attracting quality talent whether one likes it or not.

Short answer, Yes. On a scale of 1 to 10, one being not thrilled to ten being estatic, about a six for me. Overall as a GM. he's an unknown commodity so pretty much a wait and see feeling about him.

Love your optimism... Like JBR said, it would be crazy for Collaros to re-sign in TO and let them control what happens to him. They have to trade his rights or lose him for nothing in FA. And as 17to85 alluded to, who really gives a crap about tampering? The slap on the wrist from the CFL would be worth it, as this is too important for us to screw up. I'm not sold on the fact that if we don't get Collaros that it's all over for us. I'm guessing it's not what you meant but I'm hoping we diversify our efforts to land a bonifide QB and not get tunnel vision on one player.

No, it's not one (hard assed) or the other (players coach). It's a combination of both knowing when to use one over the other at appropriate times.

I like the idea of Associate Coach for Cortez but can't seem him making a lateral move here as OC even if their sick of him.

I finally saw the Big Bang episode where Sheldon used the line you have adopted. Funny stuff.

If I was GM, I'd go with George Cortez based on intitution, gut feel, observation and, ultimately, to test my theory. Hey it's fantasy, I have that luxury of no pressure other than feeling crappy or good between June and November based on this decision. I like the fact that he's tried (and predominatly failed) as a head coach. The recency of this 'experience' (last year) and his learnings will translate into the needed changes he knows he needs to make to be successful. Most importantly the needed changes in how to lead a team, how to manage a team, how to delegate (or not) as appropriate, how to deal with the media, how to deal with differing player personalities, how to have those tough discussions when needed, how to be appropriately rah rah when needed, how to deal with a multitude of fan perspectives, how to deal with assistant coaches, how to deal with depth, how to deal with scouting, how to deal with upper management/boards etc etc. The obvious point is his role is not to draw out the x and o's. Bring in O'Shea, Berry, K. Jones, others for that. As I've said before, I like the mix he brings to the table and the potential of realistic hirings needed to fill-in the necessary gaps. I'd roll the dice with him.

Can I get an Irony Alert on aisle 1? I'm pleased with this news. O'Shea would be one of the few "first timers" I would like to see coach our depleted team, the other was Dave Dickenson. Help me understand (anyone) with clarity why our organization would again give the reins to a 'first timer' considering how it's gone with the last couple of choices? Yes, absoutley, experienced head coaches taking on another head coaching gig have surley shite the bed, but maybe we swing the pendulum back to experience and try it agaiin. No? Maybe the best of both worlds is to hire George Cortez who has a bit of both. I get the sentiment, but for me, hiring a past failure as head coach is no better than hiring someone with no experience. In one situation, you're hoping someone who sucked before will be great now, while in the other situation you're hoping someone with no track record will be great now. Sure, the past experience might help, but when you're talking about a 62 year old man... is he really going to change his approach that much this time around? I doubt it. I get what you're saying but some former head coaches with past failures also have past successess. It's not that cut and dry when looking at whether a former head coach would be a good fit simply based on their most recent last tenure and/or age. Not certain on the validity of your statement about being 62 years old. I think your saying old dogs can't learn new tricks. In the same breath I could flip your argument around and suggest that a more seasoned age might be more inclined to know what to do this time (or at least who to surround themselves with) due to their knowledge gained over the years. And no, I'm not 62 years old yet. :-)

Can I get an Irony Alert on aisle 1? I'm pleased with this news. O'Shea would be one of the few "first timers" I would like to see coach our depleted team, the other was Dave Dickenson. Help me understand (anyone) with clarity why our organization would again give the reins to a 'first timer' considering how it's gone with the last couple of choices? Yes, absoutley, experienced head coaches taking on another head coaching gig have surley shite the bed, but maybe we swing the pendulum back to experience and try it agaiin. No? Maybe the best of both worlds is to hire George Cortez who has a bit of both.

OMG, you are...your…avatar. Sadly no. I wanted Kelly gone 1/2 thought the season. I dispised him with a passion. My avatar was changed out of my immense displeasure with the circus that has grown around these parts since last offseason and thought this season, I love the bombers, but after the abusive relationship we've had the past couple of seasons I begun to secretly hate them without being able to leave them.. Well put. I don't know if I'd use hate, but apathetic for sure. Quite the paradox if you're a true Bomber fan.

He's asking legitimate questions that we should all be asking. I hate the Riders, and it's painful to see them in a home town Grey Cup game. (It's even more painful that I'll be cheering for the Ticats, a team I also can't stand.) But why have they had so much success over the last 8-10 years and we've had mostly failure? We should definitely be looking at those key points BigBlue posted about. Saying, "Go to the Riders forum!" is like sticking your head in the sand. Let's figure this out so we can reverse our fortunes -- and maybe theirs, too! I agree, but easier said than done based on the mixed messages we're constantly bombarded with. One on the one hand you hear: 'Be your own person, don't change for anyone, be confident in who you are'. Then you hear, 'you can't do this alone, there is always room for improvement, look to others for support'. This trickles into sport mindsets as well. If you looked at professional sport organizations as one entity, some become very insular in their thinking and in their approach while others are more liberal in who they look towards for advice and support. My guess is that the Rough Rider organization has a good blend of people in appropriate positions that find the balance between 'I'll do it my way" with "Let's learn from others". Pet peeve police on patrol, but do you guys know you're not suppose to post INSIDE the quote of the previous poster? It makes it look like it's a part of their post. Under the line...UNDER. KTHXBYE. My bad.

He's asking legitimate questions that we should all be asking. I hate the Riders, and it's painful to see them in a home town Grey Cup game. (It's even more painful that I'll be cheering for the Ticats, a team I also can't stand.) But why have they had so much success over the last 8-10 years and we've had mostly failure? We should definitely be looking at those key points BigBlue posted about. Saying, "Go to the Riders forum!" is like sticking your head in the sand. Let's figure this out so we can reverse our fortunes -- and maybe theirs, too! I agree, but easier said than done based on the mixed messages we're constantly bombarded with. One on the one hand you hear: 'Be your own person, don't change for anyone, be confident in who you are'. Then you hear, 'you can't do this alone, there is always room for improvement, look to others for support'. This trickles into sport mindsets as well. If you looked at professional sport organizations as one entity, some become very insular in their thinking and in their approach while others are more liberal in who they look towards for advice and support. My guess is that the Rough Rider organization has a good blend of people in appropriate positions that find the balance between 'I'll do it my way" with "Let's learn from others".

I'm always perplexed when posters post things like this. We're stating opinions, sometimes based in fact, sometimes not, sometimes using our perspective, sometimes not, knowing we will have no say in the decision. Is this just a nice way at telling people to shut-up? Anyways, no thanks on Khari. A poster said this about Tim Burke and I think it applies to Khari Jones: "The Winnipeg BlueBomber Football Organization is not a coaching school'. It's one of the best lines I heard all year this year.

While muttering "I've got a bad feeling about this'

Something to the effect of (and I'm paraphrasing): why would I want to go there .. it's where kickers and their careers go to die .. Obviously he knows nothing about Bob Cameron. He could have at least qualified his remark geez. I'd take him.

Agree, good point. However, regardless of his level of impact to the team compared to the coach, the baggage he brings has to be disposed of. Unfair, maybe. But, remarkably coming from a guy like me, it's the unfortunate but needed decision in trying to run a successful business. Athletes now this, because most of them always call their vocation a business.

Unfortunately for Goltz he is in the same predicament as Burke. Regardless of his potential, if we are serious/commited in moving forward in creating a new, diffirent type of environment, we simply can't have him around due to the baggage, his fault or not.