Eskimos' Chris Jones would be a boon to Roughriders, says sportscaster

The Edmonton Eskimos have only had the Grey Cup in hand for a few days, but are already contending with rumours they may lose head coach Chris Jones to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

• ​Chris Jones coy about rumours he's leaving Eskimos for Roughriders

At the Eskimos' year-end media availability on Wednesday, Jones was enigmatic about his future, saying only that he wanted to keep his options open.

"I'm not going to comment on anything about the Riders or Saskatchewan. I'm here today to do a year-end media session," Jones said.

But reporters continued to raise the issue, asking whether or not Jones has done an interview, or is even considering a move one province east.

"Certainly I look back on my two years right now, and again, if this Saskatchewan deal works out then it works out," he said. "I mean, it's yet to be seen."

Unrestricted free agent J.C. Sherritt was asked whether he'd consider a move if his coach left for greener pastures.

"(I) love playing for coach Jones, but Ed Hervey's the one who brought me in here," he replied. "We don't play in that game (Grey Cup) without the direction he's put us in so whatever happens, happens — but I know I love playing for the Eskimos, and these players love playing for this organization."

When asked about the courting of his head coach by the rival Riders, Hervey said he would not stand in Jones' way.

"There's a golden opportunity sitting out there for Chris Jones to have a chance to interview, and it's my obligation to make sure that we're not seen as an organization that holds people back."

Roughriders deal could cash in on Jones' Grey Cup success

Four candidates, including current Riders interim general manager Jeremy O'Day, are said to be under consideration for the job.

While his departure would be bad news for many Eskimos fans, the chance to gain a coveted coach like Jones in a dual head coach and general manager role is enough to cause a flutter of excitement east of Alberta.

To find out more, CBC Edmonton's Radio Active show co-host Rod Kurtz called up Saskatchewan reporter Wray Morrison, sports director for CKOM Radio in Saskatoon.

Listen to the full discussion:

Radio Active7:47Rod Kurtz debates Chris Jones' future with Saskatoon sports reporter Wray Morrison

Morrison and Kurtz discuss just how long those rumours about Chris Jones leaving the Eskimos for the Roughriders have been circulating, and what it might to do the already tense rivalry between the two teams.

Rumours that Jones may be tapped for the Roughriders have been circulating in Saskatchewan for several weeks, Morrison said.

"Chris Jones' stock right now is very high, as you can well imagine," Morrison said.

"What Chris Jones brings to the table here is just being a head coach, but also throughout his career, even while an assistant, he also delved into personnel quite deeply."

As well, Jones' recognized status as a "defensive guru" further sweetens the package, he added.

And the perks go both ways, Morrison said.

"With all due respect to the Edmonton Eskimos and their fans, the Riders job is very much coveted," Morrison said, citing the team's relatively recent affluence.

"There has been a suggestion out there that Chris Jones could double his salary with the dual roles here."

That could mean more than $700,000 in annual salary should Jones win the job.

As for what the move could do to the already-palpable rivalry between Eskimos and Roughriders fans, Morrison said the answer is clear.

"It's going to be fantastic for the rivalry between the Riders and the Eskimos, there's no question about that."

Jones is expected to meet with the Roughriders later this week.