Maciocia steps down as Eskimos coach

Danny  Maciocia is giving up his job as head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos in order to concentrate on his executive duties with the team.

Maciocia, who just completed his fourth season as Edmonton's head coach, will remain the CFL club's director of football operations, a role he took on last year.

Maciocia, 41, guided Edmonton to a 10-8 regular-season record this year before falling to Montreal in the East Division final.

It was Maciocia's first playoff appearance since leading Edmonton to the Grey Cup title in 2005, his first year as head coach after having served as the team's defensive co-ordinator.

Maciocia said while 2008 ended with a disappointing loss, the organization made strides after a 5-12-1 ledger last season.

"It was extremely important for me to get this thing turned around," he said. "I'm at peace with myself knowing that we can turn this thing over and it's in a good state and there's no reason someone can't come in here and make it two or three games better, another round in the playoffs better, and maybe even win the Grey Cup."

Edmonton went 33-38-1 in Maciocia's four seasons as coach.

Prior to joining the Eskimos, he had spent more than six years with the Montreal Alouettes, reaching the position of offensive co-ordinator.

Maciocia said he hopes to be able to spend a bit more time with his family in his new role.

"I feel like it's time to move to the next phase of my football career," he said. "I think this is a unique opportunity for someone like me."

The move leaves the future of the rest of the coaching staff up in the air. Offensive co-ordinator Rick Worman could be a candidate to take over for Maciocia, but an external hire would have to decide whether to retain the current assistants.