There is never a dull moment in the CFL and mere hours before kickoff at the Grey Cup rumours are circulating that both of the competing head coaches will be sporting different logos next season.
Ticats’ head coach Orlondo Steinauer has already been linked to the vacant defensive coordinator position at the University of Washington, but Sportsnet’s Arash Madani is now reporting that Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea may have a serious suitor in another CFL organization.
According to a tweet by Madani: “Believe this: Edmonton will be coming after Mike O’Shea to run the Elks.
O’Shea is under contract with WPG as head coach through 2022. So, not a lateral move. Expect Edmonton to want O’Shea in coach + GM role.
Would mean a huge decision awaits Wade Miller in Winnipeg.”
If the Elks were successful, the move would have shades of the 2015 Grey Cup, when Edmonton head coach hoisted the trophy and then immediately jumped ship to take on dual roles in Saskatchewan.
Unironically, Jones is among the other names being considered for dual roles in Edmonton.
The Elks are looking to hire a new head coach and general manager after they let go Jaime Elizondo and Brock Sunderland along with president Chris Presson following a 3-11 season that saw them finish last in the West Division. Hall of fame head coach and general manager Wally Buono is leading the search as a consultant.
After leading the Bombers to an 11-3 record and their best winning percentage since 1961, O’Shea was named the CFL’s Coach of the Year on Friday. It was a near perfect follow up to his improbable Grey Cup win in 2019, which would only be made sweeter by winning the title in back-to-back seasons.
In seven seasons with Winnipeg, O’Shea has posted a 67-55 record. He leads active head coaches in career wins with 67 and is tied with Rick Campbell among active head coaches in games coached at 122. He remains second in franchise history with 67 wins, behind only Bud Grant at 102.
With a second straight Grey Cup victory, the hall of fame linebacker-turned-coach could launch a dynasty in Winnipeg. The only question is whether he will stay in the Manitoba capital to see it through.
