Blue Bombers name LaPolice head coach

Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice was named the 28th head coach in franchise history on Friday.

He takes over from Mike Kelly, who was fired on Dec. 17 just hours after being arrested in the United States following an alleged domestic violence incident.

"I'm thrilled and honoured to accept this position," LaPolice said in a statement released by the Blue Bombers.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for me. This organization is rich in history and I look forward to leading the Winnipeg Blue Bombers through its 80th anniversary season and beyond."

LaPolice, who spent the last two seasons overseeing the Saskatchewan Roughriders' offence, joins a Blue Bombers team that posted a 7-11 record in 2009 and missed the Canadian Football League playoffs.

LaPolice ran the Blue Bombers offence in 2002 and 2003 and watched the team set 14 offensive records. He also spent time as receivers and running backs coach during his time in Winnipeg.

"Paul possesses all of the key qualities we were looking for in a head coach," recently hired Blue Bombers general manager Joe Mack said in a statement. "We feel we have put a first-class gentleman in place and look forward to Paul leading us to success for many years to come."

7 years at American colleges

The last time many Winnipeg fans saw LaPolice he was caught on camera slamming his hat in the co-ordinators' booth during last year's Grey Cup. Saskatchewan had taken a too-many-men penalty in the game's final moments that led to Damon Duval's field goal to cement a 28-27 Montreal win.

LaPolice arrived in the CFL in 2000 when he took on the role of running backs/receivers coach with Toronto. He had spent the previous seven years coaching at four American colleges.

After leaving Winnipeg in 2003, LaPolice spent two years in Hamilton as the Tiger-Cats' offensive co-ordinator. Saskatchewan hired him in 2007 as its receivers coach and he helped lead the Riders to a Grey Cup title that season.

It's believed LaPolice beat out former Blue Bombers defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall for the Winnipeg head-coaching job. Marshall, who runs the Ticats' defence, reportedly was interviewed for three hours by Mack on Tuesday in Toronto.

Marshall is said to be in the mix for the Argonauts' head coaching job. The Toronto Star reported Wednesday that Hamilton has given Argos management permission to speak with the 16-year CFL coach.

In 2005, Marshall interviewed for the Blue Bombers' head coaching job, but the position went to Doug Berry, who has also been linked to the Argos' coaching search.