Saskatchewan

Edmonton exodus continues as Saskatchewan Roughriders add coaches

Newly hired head coach and general manager Chris Jones announced a flurry of additions to his coaching staff — with all of them coming from the Edmonton Eskimos.

Riders head coach Chris Jones not wasting time with team shakeup

Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach and general manager Chris Jones talked to reporters Dec. 15 about the cuts and recent hirings. (Glenn Reid/CBC)

Following a day of big changes with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, there were more bombshells Wednesday as the team went on a coach-hiring binge.

Newly hired head coach and general manager Chris Jones announced a flurry of additions to his coaching staff — with all of them coming from the Edmonton Eskimos.

Here's who'll be joining Jones on the Riders staff:

  • Stephen McAdoo — Offensive coordinator & assistant head coach
  • Craig Dickenson — Special teams coordinator
  • Jarious Jackson — Quarterbacks coach & passing game coordinator
  • Mike Scheper — Offensive line coach
  • Phillip Lolley — Linebackers coach
  • Jason Shivers — Defensive backs coach
  • Ed Philion — Defensive line coach
  • Craig Davoren — Running backs coach & special teams assistant

Since the Grey-Cup-winning Jones took the Riders top coaching job earlier this month, there were reports he might try to bring over some staff from the Edmonton Eskimos. That prediction has now been borne out.

The announcement caps a tumultuous 24 hours, following the release of 19 Roughrider players, including a number of veterans.

The Riders also announced some front office hires on Tuesday: Jeremy O'Day will stay with the team as assistant vice-president of football operations and administration.

John Murphy, formerly with the Calgary Stampeders, was hired as assistant vice-president of football operations and player personnel.