Eskimos confirm Hall firing

The Edmonton Eskimos fired head coach Richie Hall on Friday after the team came up just short in its bid to reach the playoffs.

General manager Eric Tillman made it official at a news conference, saying he disagreed with Hall's wish to continue as head coach and defensive co-ordinator.

"There were some significant philosophical differences," he said.

Tillman said he believes the head coach position in the Canadian Football League is too demanding to allow for other responsibilities.

He added the coach must juggle the import-non import ratio, put out fires as they flare up at different positions, and keep the big picture in mind in practices and especially during games.

"There are times during a game if you've got a young quarterback struggling or there are key decisions to be made in the kicking game, it's difficult to address those if you're calling defences," said Tillman.

"The head coach's role on game day, since there are only 18 games in this sport in the regular season, is fairly significant."

Tillman said the search for a new coach will begin immediately but a replacement won't be named until after the Grey Cup game on Nov. 28.

He didn't name any potential candidates but said the new coach must be a master at handling the "chess match" of the import ratio.

The rest of the Eskimos coaching staff remains under contract, he said, but added that whomever is hired as head coach will be free to pick and choose his staff.

"I'm not going to micromanage the head coach," he said.

Hall, 50, didn't rule out returning to the Eskimos as defensive co-ordinator if the new head coach decides to hire him.

"I don't think you eliminate any situation. You keep everything open," Hall told reporters after Tillman's announcement.

"What's next for me right now is to literally clean my office out and just to relax, to rest.

"I'm just mentally and physically tired. Just not to think about football for a period of time — I'm looking forward to it.

"Regarding my future, whether it's in the CFL or any other place, I have no idea because I haven't gotten beyond just today."

The Eskimos went 7-11 this season and missed the playoffs. Hall had a 16-20 record over two seasons as head coach.

The Eskimos dropped nine of their first 11 games this season but then won five of six to put themselves in a position to qualify for the playoffs. But the club lost its regular-season finale 31-23 to Saskatchewan to finish two points behind B.C. for the third and final West Division playoff spot.

With a victory over the Riders, Edmonton would have finished ahead of the Lions since it won the season series between the two clubs.