The Rouge

The nominees for CFL head coach of the year came out Thursday morning and there wasn’t any big surprises in the news release.

Maybe the biggest shock was that Wally Buono has only won the Annis Stukus Trophy three times during his 22-year run as a head coach.

Certainly it wasn’t a shock that B.C.’s Buono, Edmonton’s Kavis Reed and Winnipeg’s Paul LaPolice were nominated. All three had impressive seasons for different reasons.

The Lions started 0-5 but Buono stayed the course, added a few veterans with trades and free agency and pushed forward, eventually winning the West Division and going on to clinch the Grey Cup on home turf.

In Edmonton, Reed came out of the gates on fire, as his emotional pre-game speeches boosted an Eskimos team that had missed the playoffs the previous season. They were 5-0 before falling back to the pack, but the Eskimos did win a playoff game before losing to the Lions in the West final.

LaPolice did an equally good job in Winnipeg where the Bombers didn’t make any changes to the roster from the 4-14 team in 2010 that missed the playoffs. LaPolice held the team together when Richard Harris passed away early in the year. The Bombers developed the culture of Swaggerville, and rode their defence to their first East Division title since 2001.

But there is no question who will win. Buono retires as the CFL’s all-time winningest coach and should pick up his fourth coach of the year trophy, one fewer than the number of Grey Cup victories he took home.

The CFL will get a chance to honour Buono during the coach of the year celebration in Toronto March 2.

In a strange twist, the only two head coaches who didn’t get nominated and kept their jobs for the 2012 season were Calgary’s John Hufnagel and Montreal’s Marc Trestman, the two winningest coaches since both took over in the 2008 season.

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Ticats sign Jeffers-Harris and Grant
During the playoffs last November, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats raised a lot of eyebrows when they added receiver Terence Jeffers-Harris to their practice roster.

It sounded at the time like just a move to get an inside peek at the Bombers playbook, as Jeffers-Harris was in Winnipeg two years before breaking team policy and being shown the door earlier that week.

At the time, Ticats GM Bob O’Billovich said he was interested in Jeffers-Harris the player, not the playbook.

“Do they believe me now?” O’Billovich told Drew Edwards of the Hamilton Spectator. “I told him last November that there wasn’t any pressure for him to sign right away, I knew he wanted to test the waters down south again,. But I said ‘if you decide to come back to the CFL, we’re more than happy to give you an opportunity to play.’ ”

The Ticats also signed receiver Bakari Grant, who caught 42 passes for 507 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games for Hamilton last year.

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Stamps sign pair of defensive linemen
The Stampeders are adding new players to the roster earlier than usual this season. The team announced the signings of import defensive linemen Cody Brown and Chase Vaughn Thursday.

Brown is a product of the University of Connecticut Huskies. In 2008, he had 10 sacks and 15 tackles for losses. Vaughn, who is a product of Colorado State University-Pueblo, spent the past two seasons in the UFL and Indoor Football League.

— Buz

The Calgary Stampeders have signed a player they hope won’t just be an ordinary Joe.

Joe Henderson, who spent the past two seasons with the B.C. Lions, signed with the Stamps Wednesday. The team also announced the signing Georgia product Montez Robinson, who is also a linebacker.

Henderson, a product of Alabama-Birmingham, played 16 games with the Lions in 2010-11, recording 42 defensive tackles and nine special-teams tackles.

He was released by the Grey Cup-champion Lions with three weeks to go in the 2011 regular season.

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Hickman off to NFL
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are going to be dealing with the loss of their defensive leader this season.

Defensive end Justin Hickman, who will become a CFL free agent next week, will sign with the Indianapolis Colts, according to Drew Edwards of the Hamilton Spectator.

Hickman tied for the league lead with 13 sacks this season after getting 14 over the previous two seasons.

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Als say goodbye to Anwar
The Montreal Alouettes are parting ways with their second-longest serving import player. The team has released veteran defensive end Anwar Stewart.

In his 11-year CFL career, Stewart has amassed 66 sacks and been part of three Grey Cup winners with the Alouettes. He also spent the 2001 season with the Calgary Stampeders, who win the title that year although Stewart didn’t play in the big game. Stewart will turn 36 on Thursday.

The Alouettes also released receiver Danny Desriveaux, who has played with them since 2007.

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Lions lock up Banks
One of the big parts of the B.C. Lions’ championship defence is sticking around a while longer. The Lions announced Wednesday they have inked defensive back Korey Banks to an extension.

Banks is returning for a ninth CFL season and he’s been a big part of the Lions since arriving in the Ottawa Renegades dispersal draft in 2006.

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Bombers sign Browne and Woodson
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have bolstered their Canadian content with a pair of signings. The team resigned safety Brady Browne and former University of Calgary Dinos running back Anthony Woodson.

Browne played the past three seasons in Winnipeg after coming over in a trade with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Woodson was a fourth-round draft pick of the Bombers in 2010 but he returned to university to complete his final two seasons of eligibility.

— Buz

There is just a week left until about 75 veteran CFL players hit the market. The free-for-all starts Feb. 16 at 12:01 a.m. (a time that needs to be changed in the future as interest increases in this process) and there are a few names of interest.

Need a running back? How about a 9,000-yard rusher (Joffrey Reynolds) or a former Grey Cup MVP (Avon Cobourne)?

Need offensive line help? How about a two-time CFL most outstanding lineman (Rob Murphy)?

Need a receiver? How about a former most outstanding Canadian (Andy Fantuz)?

Need some ratio changers? How about linebacker or two (Kevin Eiben and Jay Pottinger) or an emerging defensive tackle (Winnipeg’s Donny O)?

There are a few teams that could make some noise on the market, and clearly Andy Fantuz is the biggest fish to land. Behind Fantuz, there isn’t a real game-changer at that position, which makes him even more attractive.

There are plenty of lineman available on both sides of the ball, and the Toronto Argonauts could be hit hard if Murphy, Taylor Robertson and Dominic Picard all decide to leave.

The Calgary Stampeders have the fewest free agents with only four hitting the market. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers — despite signing two quarterbacks last week — have the most with 11.

There are some stocked positions and some depleted ones. There are a plenty of Canadian running backs/fullbacks available, but there isn’t much for quarterbacks.

Here is the breakdown of free agents by position. This isn’t going to be a complete list, as there are hundreds of former players who no longer have jobs and could resurface. These are players who finished the season on active rosters.

There are a few former NFLers (such as Rashad Jeanty, who signed with the Edmonton Eskimos Monday) that could also come back to the CFL, but only a couple are listed here.

Those players designated x means they are Canadians. Ones with y mean they are already free agents after getting released, while z designates players expected to retire but haven’t officially yet.

Quarterback
Dalton Bell, Toronto
Alex Brink, Winnipeg
y-Ryan Dinwiddie, Saskatchewan
y-Jarious Jackson, B.C.

Running back
x-Agustin Barrenechea, Hamilton
x-Graeme Bell, Saskatchewan
Wes Cates, Saskatchewan
x-Stu Foord, Saskatchewan
x-Sam Fournier, Edmonton
x-Jamall Lee, B.C.
y-Joffrey Reynolds, Calgary
y-Avon Cobourne, Hamilton

Receiver
x-Matt Carter, Hamilton
Greg Carr, Winnipeg
Aaron Hargreaves, Winnipeg
z-Jason Clermont, Saskatchewan
x-Andy Fantuz, Saskatchewan
Cary Koch, Saskatchewan
x-Arjei Franklin, Calgary
x-Andrew Nowacki, Edmonton
y-Jason Armstead, Edmonton
y-Freddie Barnes, Saskatchewan
y-Terrence Nunn, Saskatchewan
y-Jason Barnes, Edmonton

Offensive line
x-Scott Flory, Montreal
Rob Murphy, Toronto
x-Dominic Picard, Toronto
x-Taylor Robertson, Toronto
Jason Jimenez, Hamilton
Andre Douglas, Winnipeg
Glenn January, Winnipeg
x-Brendan LaBatte, Winnipeg
x-Steven Morley, Winnipeg
x-Marc Parenteau, Saskatchewan
x-Tim O’Neill, Calgary
x-Patrick Kabongo, Edmonton
x-Andrew Jones, B.C.
xy-George Hudson, Saskatchewan
y-Chris Patrick, Edmonton
xy-Alex Gauthier, Saskatchewan

Defensive line
Jermaine McElveen, Montreal
x-Jeff Robertshaw, Montreal
Alex Buzbee, Toronto
Ben Ishola, Toronto
Justin Hickman, Hamilton
Matt Kirk, Hamilton
z-Doug Brown, Winnipeg
Phillip Hunt, Winnipeg
x-Don Oramasionwu, Winnipeg
Greg Peach, Edmonton
Aaron Hunt, B.C.
y-Joe Sykes, Edmonton
y-Remond Willis, Saskatchewan

Linebacker
x-Walter Spencer, Montreal
x-Kevin Eiben, Toronto
x-Jason Pottinger, Toronto
Isaac Brown, Hamilton
Rod Davis, Edmonton
Mark Restelli, Edmonton
y-Barrin Simpson, Saskatchewan

Defensive back
Mark Estelle, Montreal
x-Paul Woldu, Montreal
Byron Parker, Toronto
Willie Pile, Toronto
Jason Shivers, Hamilton
Tristan Jackson, Saskatchewan
x-Leron Mitchell, Saskatchewan
Brandon Isaac, Calgary
Dante Marsh, B.C.
Ryan Phillips, B.C.
xy-Tamon George, Saskatchewan
y-Wopamo Osaisai, Edmonton
y-John Eubanks, Saskatchewan
y-Tad Kornegay, B.C.
y-Lin-J Shell, Toronto

Kicker-Punter
Justin Medlock, Hamilton
Eddie Johnson, Saskatchewan
x-Burke Dales, Calgary
xy-Luca Congi, Saskatchewan
y-Damon Duval, Edmonton

— Buz

You knew the Edmonton Eskimos had some money to spend, and they’ve already opened up the wallets.

The Eskimos signed offensive lineman Simeon Rottier Friday, just a few days after he was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats because it was clear the guard didn’t want to sign anywhere but Edmonton.

The Westlock, Alta., native is said to be building a house in Edmonton and was intent on moving his family back home. The University of Alberta product was the first pick in the 2009 CFL draft and he played 44 regular-season games with the Cats.

The Eskimos have lots of cap room thanks to the Ricky Ray trade and the release of high-priced Canadians Chris Bauman and Patrick Kabongo.

“Upgrading our offensive line in 2012 is one of our top off-season priorities and this signing is a big step in the right direction,” GM Eric Tillman said in a release. “Simeon is a young man of exceptional character who will be an excellent representative of our organization in the community.”

Rottier, who will likely slide in a right guard for the Eskimos, is clearly excited to come to a deal with the Eskimos.

“Being able to return to Alberta and play for the Eskimos in front of their incredible fans fulfills a lifelong dream of mine,” Rottier said. “The Eskimos have a very bright future and I’m excited to be part of it. I’d also like to thank the entire Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization for their support during my time there.”

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Lions lineman signs in St. Louis
Once again, the B.C. Lions are dealing with a player exodus to the NFL. This time, they lose the West Division’s most outstanding lineman. Jovan Olafioye has signed a free-agent deal with the St. Louis Rams, just a week after the team lost linebacker Solomon Elimimian to the Minnesota Vikings.

Olafioye played right tackle for the Lions last year after being used in various positions, including left tackle, the previous year. The 24-year-old was a CFL all-Canadian in 2011.

Over the past few years, the Lions have lost the likes of Cam Wake, Stefan Logan, Martell Mallett and Mannie Arceneaux to the NFL. Success has its price for the 2011 Grey Cup champions.

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Reinebold hired in Montreal
Jeff Reinebold and Anthony Calvillo are back together again. Way back in 1994, Reinebold was the defensive backs and special teams coach with the Las Vegas Posse, the ill-fated CFL team where Calvillo got his start as a quarterback.

The Montreal Alouettes hired Reinebold as defensive co-ordinator Friday in a move that is sure to raise eyebrows around the CFL. Reinebold’s name in synonymous with losing football thanks to his two-year stint as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach in 1997-98. The Bombers were 6-26 during those years.

For the past four years, Reinebold was the receivers coach at Southern Methodist University in Texas. Two years ago, he had a bout with stomach cancer.

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Daley hired at Ticats special teams coach
The last time Jim Daley worked in the CFL, he took a lot of heat for his special teams unit. He gets another chance now with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Daley was hired by new Ticats head coach George Cortez, who knew him from stints with the Ottawa Rough Riders and Calgary Stampeders. Daley had a tough year working with the special teams in Saskatchewan during the 2010 season.

The Ticats also hired Nelson Martin as defensive backs coach and Ryan Sheahan as the running backs coach.

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McCallum stays with Lions
Paul McCallum may be getting up there in age, but he’s just getting better. For the past four years, the B.C. Lions kicker has improved his field-goal percentage every season.

In 2011, it all came together with the best season by a kicker in CFL history. McCallum hit on 50-of-53 field goals or 94.3% of the time and was named the CFL’s most outstanding special teams player. All the misses were from outside the 45-yard line, and he hit on a record 30 straight. That was when he was a 41-year-old.

So when it came time to negotiate a new deal and return for the now 42-year-old to return, it was an easy one to get done. He and the Lions agreed to a two-year deal Thursday night. Now he just has to improve on his 2011, which will be next to impossible.

— Buz

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers ended the 2011 season with the most pending free-agents, but they are working on maintaining a level of consistency.

The Bombers signed quarterback Buck Pierce Thursday, giving him a contract worthy of a starter who can lead his team to the Grey Cup. It’s another future free-agent off the market.

Pierce set a personal best with 16 starts in 2011 and passing yards with 3,348. Still, the injury woes continued and he consistently left games. The Bombers did, however, locked up backup Joey Elliott Wednesday but Elliott is coming off a season-ending knee injury as well.

With Pierce and Elliott off the market, the only pending free-agent quarterbacks are Alex Brink (Winnipeg) and Dalton Bell (Toronto).

There are a few teams who will be looking for a solid backup and Brink would fit the bill. Those teams would be the Toronto Argonauts (who appear set to let Bell go free), the Saskatchewan Roughriders (who released Ryan Dinwiddie), the B.C. Lions (who let Jarious Jackson go Wednesday) and the Edmonton Eskimos (who have Steven Jyles, Kerry Joseph and a couple of youngsters on the roster).

For all of the good work the Bombers have done lately, the team rewarded vice-president of football operations and GM Joe Mack with a contract extension.

Now that Pierce is under contract, the Bombers are set to work on offensive lineman Brendan LaBatte, according to this Winnipeg Sun story.

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Farthing hired by Riders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have brought back one of their most popular former players. Receiver Dan Farthing has been named the team’s strength and conditioning coach.

Farthing, who is the director of sport performance training at Level 10 Fitness, has worked with the Riders over the past few seasons with training sessions. He now moves into a full-time partnership.

“We are excited to have Dan officially back with the Riders,” assistant GM Jeremy O’Day said. “Dan will be a huge asset in this increased role with the team and we believe his contributions will be reflected through on-field success.”

— Buz

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have taken one of their three free-agent quarterbacks off the market.

The Bombers signed Joey Elliott Wednesday, cutting down their remaining QB free-agents-to-be to Buck Pierce and Alex Brink. With Justin Goltz and Brandon Summers already under contract, it’s not likely the Bombers will come to camp with five pivots.

The Winnipeg Sun has the story here, and they say that Brink might be the odd man out. If Brink were to hit the market, he would be a good addition to a few different teams. With all the movement among quarterbacks this off-season, there has to be some questions in different cities about their pivot situations.

Thanks to the Ricky Ray and Henry Burris trades (for Steven Jyles and Kevin Glenn), half of the teams have different starters than at this point last year.

Elliott is coming off season-ending knee surgery thanks to a meeting with the Calgary Stampeders in Week 3. Stamps defensive back Keon Raymond was returning a fumble when he stumbled and fell into Elliott’s legs, blowing out his knee.

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Stamps sign pair of running backs
The first wave of college signings has started for the Calgary Stampeders. The team announced that import running backs Jeramy Avery, a four-year starter at Boise State, and Michael Smith, who is from the University of Arkansas, will compete for jobs at 2012 training camp.

Avery has an impressive resume with the Broncos, where he also worked as a kickoff returner. As a senior in 2010, Avery had 11 rushing TDs. Here is his highlight tape from Boise State:
Jeramy Avery highlight video

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Gauthier back on the market
The Saskatchewan Roughriders cut left tackle Alex Gauthier Tuesday, right before he was due a roster bonus, according to our friend Murray McCormick of the Regina Leader-Post.

The Riders will likely move forward with import tackles as they remake their offensive line, which was one of the oldest in the CFL last season. Gauthier, 35, is now looking for a new team and might find a spot back in Winnipeg, where the Blue Bombers will be looking for a Canadian offensive tackle to help with their import ratio once Doug Brown retires.

After seeing multiple CFL players get released before off-season roster bonuses, you start to wonder why players build those into contracts, as it just gives the teams a reason to cut ties. The Riders starting o-line last year had Gauthier (35) at left tackle, Gene Makowsky (38) at left guard, Marc Parenteau (30) at centre, Chris Best (28) at right guard and Dan Goodspeed (34) at right tackle.

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Watkins retires from Alouettes
The Montreal Alouettes not only lost a perennial 1,000-yard receiver, they also lost the team barber.

Kerry Watkins, who had five straight 1,000-yard seasons, retired suddenly from the Als after suffering a broken leg in October. Watkins is one of the few big yardage performers who played exclusively as a wide receiver and not a slotback.

Watkins has for years conducted haircuts for the Alouettes in the team locker-room, and it was always surprising to be conducting interviews at Olympic Stadium while Watkins was doing some styling.

The 32-year-old finishes his career with 515 receptions for 7,431 yards and 48 TDs. He helped the Alouettes win two Grey Cups after reached second place (behind former teammate Ben Cahoon) on the team’s all-time receiving yardage list.

— Buz

Every CFL team has one. A Canadian player who has seemingly been around forever, doing his job well enough to stay but not spectacularly enough to get much attention.

When the Calgary Stampeders signed linebacker Marc Calixte, who makes his money covering kicks and punts, it was a good move for continuity. Calixte has been around long enough to have four different head coaches with the Stamps. He’s a bit of a surprise as the longest-serving player with the Stamps.

However, the Stamps aren’t alone in having a special-teamer as their longest-serving (continuously) player. But when it comes to longest-serving imports, those players are the stars. An import doesn’t stick around for a decade unless he’s one of the best in the league at his position.

So here is a breakdown of the longest-serving (LS) Canadian and import (with seasons in brackets) for each CFL team and a synopsis:

Calgary Stampeders
LS Canadian: LB Marc Calixte (9)
LS import: R Nik Lewis (8)
Calixte, who was a first-round pick in 2003, took over the honour when Jeff Pilon retired before the 2010 season, then had it all to himself when Wes Lysack left for free agency the following off-season. Lewis, who is the longest-serving import for several years, has put up a 1,000-yard season every year since arriving in 2004. If he keeps it up for a few more years, he should walk into the Hall of Fame.

B.C. Lions
LS Canadian: DL Brent Johnson, C Angus Reid (11)
LS Import: R Geroy Simon (11)
This trio came joined the Lions during the same season and became part of a core group that has won two Grey Cups. Johnson may retire, but Reid and Simon are going strong. Unless something catastrophic happens, Simon will become the CFL’s all-time leading receiver, passing Milt Stegall.

Edmonton Eskimos
LS Canadian: FB Mathieu Bertrand, R Andrew Nowacki (8)
LS import: R Fred Stamps (5)
The Eskimos have had a complete turnover the past two years with GM Eric Tillman taking over as GM. Bertrand and Nowacki both play roles in the Eskimos offence and have escaped the firing line. Stamps has developed into a star and became the team’s longest-tenured import when Ricky Ray was traded to Toronto. He assumes the leadership mantle.

Saskatchewan Roughriders
LS Canadian: OL Gene Makowsky (17)
LS import: QB Darian Durant (7)
There is an expectation that Makowsky will retire to focus full-time on being a member of the Legislative Assembly. He is already the Riders all-time leader in games played. If he does retire, linebacker Mike McCullough, who has spent 10 seasons in Regina, will take over the longest-serving title. Amazing, Durant is the longest-serving import but the first three years of his career were spent developing as a reserve player.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
LS Canadian: LS Chris Cvetkovic (9)
LS import: R Terrence Edwards, RB Fred Reid (5)
Assuming Doug Brown officially announces his retirement, and the defensive tackle said all last year 2011 was his final season, then Cvetkovic takes over. There is no reason to think Cvetkovic won’t play a few more years as he’s one of the best in the league at his long-snapping job. Edwards and Reid are perennial contenders for yardage titles at their respective positions and they have formed the core of the offence the past few seasons.

Toronto Argonauts
LS Canadian: LB Kevin Eiben (11)
LS import: S Willie Pile (5)
Although Eiben spent the majority of the 2011 season on the injured list, there is no reason to believe he won’t return for a 12th campaign. The tackling machine has given the Argos ratio flexibility for years and is a valuable player on the roster. If Eiben doesn’t return, the next longest-tenured Canadian is running back Jeff Johnson, who will be coming back for an 11th season. Pile has emerged as the defensive leader for the Argos and found his spot as a safety.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats
LS Canadian: C Marwan Hage (8)
LS import: QB Quinton Porter, LB Markeith Knowlton (4)
The Sultan is one of the most important players to the Ticats success and he’s also one of the most popular players around the league. Hage will use 2012 to bounce back from a season-ending injury in 2011, but he’s firmly entrenched in his starting role. Surprisingly, Porter has been around even before the entire Kevin Glenn tenure, and he’s still not the starting quarterback. Chances are he will be eventually.

Montreal Alouettes
LS Canadian: OL Scott Flory (13)
LS import: QB Anthony Calvillo (14)
Along with defensive lineman Anwar Stewart, Flory and Calvillo are the only players left from the 2002 Grey Cup-winning Alouettes. Calvillo is the only full-time quarterback Flory has ever protected during his time with the Als. Even though he signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2004 — only to get cold feet and ask for a trade back to Montreal — his second tenure is still the longest among Canucks with the Als.

— Buz

Ten years is a long time to spend anywhere, but it’s an incredibly long tenure in the CFL.

The Calgary Stampeders announced Monday morning that linebacker/special teams ace Marc Calixte is avoiding free agency and has instead signed a contract extension.

The Laval, Que., native is the team’s longest-serving player having been with the team since getting drafted during the first round in 2003. He’s played 138 regular-season game and nine playoff games.

Although the 33-year-old could still fill in at linebacker in a pinch, his main job is covering on punts and kickoffs. He has 88 special-teams tackles in his career. In 2011, he missed the final 10 regular-season games with a torn arm tendon, but he returned for the playoffs.

This signing shows how much the Stamps value having a veteran out there in the sometimes complex CFL special teams.

“We don’t ever underestimate the importance and value of strength on special teams,” said Hufnagel. “Marc is as effective a special-teams player as you can find in the CFL and it’s great that he will be back for a 10th season.”

Calixte would like to leave the Stamps with a second Grey Cup ring. He was part of the 2008 championship team.

“I’m proud to have been a member of the Stampeders for my entire CFL career,” said Calixte. “I’m looking forward to my 10th season in Calgary and another opportunity to return to the Grey Cup game.”

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Mallett lands in the Hammer
The last time the Hamilton Tiger-Cats made a big splash signing a running back returning from the NFL, it didn’t work out so well. Of course, Martell Mallett has very little in common with Kenton Keith.

Mallett spent one season in the CFL with the B.C. Lions (2009) but has bounced around the NFL since then. In one season, he was the CFL’s most outstanding rookie in rushing for 1,280 yards.

The Ticats add Mallett to a running back group that is led by Avon Cobourne but also has Terry Grant, who is coming off a horrible broken ankle.

“Martell’s combination of size, speed and strength makes him a force to be reckoned with,” vice president of football operations Bob O’Billovich said. “He’s a very physical runner and a great receiver out of the backfield. Martell will provide our offence with another potent weapon.”

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Crowton takes over Bombers offence
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers finally have a new offensive co-ordinator and it’s not a name CFL fans will recognize, but it’s one U.S. college fans will know well.

Gary Crowton has been one of the NCAA’s top offensive coaches for the past decade and he comes to Winnipeg from the University of Maryland. Crowton was previously the offensive co-ordinator with LSU, where he helped the Tigers set 10 school records in 2007. Crowton has also been a head coach with BYU and Louisiana Tech.

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McKenzie sticking with Lions
Anton McKenzie was a huge free-agent signing with the B.C. Lions in 2009, but he didn’t want to make another move this time around.

McKenzie re-signed with the Lions Monday instead of going to free-agency a second time. McKenzie will be 31 when 2012 kicks off and it will be the former Saskatchewan Roughrider’s seventh CFL season.

“What makes Anton extremely valuable beyond his statistics is his ability to communicate with teammates and direct the defence on the fly,” Lions head coach Mike Benevides said. “His willingness to do whatever it takes and his quiet leadership are a big part of our team concept.”

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Nicholson out, Rudge in with Argos
Bob Nicholson has resigned as president and CEO of the Toronto Argonauts, who moved quickly to name his replacement. Former Canadian Olympic Committee CEO Chris Rudge, who was chairman of the 100th Grey Cup Festival, assumes the position of executive chairman and CEO of the Argos.

— Buz

Turnover will be the name of the game in 2012 for the Calgary Stampeders, at least in terms of the names on the roster. Chances are the offence will try to avoid the turnovers.

With all that’s happened with the Stampeders since the 2011 season ended, it’s clear this team had a much different core group of players than last year at this time. Henry Burris is gone, traded to Hamilton. Joffrey Reynolds was released, and he’s looking for somewhere to play.

The Stamps will hope this new group is championship worthy, but by the time the team does compete in another Grey Cup game, it will have many different faces from the last one.

Of the 42 players who suited up for the 2008 Grey Cup championship, only 11 remain with the Stampeders. Considering that four players from the Stamps and Montreal Alouettes who played in that game will be assistant coaches in the CFL this year, it’s shows how quickly things change in football.

The 11 remaining Stamps players are:
RB Jon Cornish
R Nik Lewis
R Ken-Yon Rambo
R Jabari Arthur
OL Dimitri Tsoumpas
DL Charleston Hughes
DL Justin Phillips
LS Randy Chevrier
LB Marc Calixte
LB Juwan Simpson
DB Brandon Smith

Defensive back Keon Raymond was on the team but didn’t dress in the 22-14 win over the Montreal Alouettes. The Stamps will part ways with punter Burke Dales and offensive lineman Tim O’Neill when they hit free-agency on Feb. 16.

The four players now working as assistant coaches are:
R Jeremaine Copeland (Hamilton, receivers)
DB/R Markus Howell (Winnipeg, defensive and special teams assistant)
DL DeVone Claybrooks (Calgary, defensive line)
QB Marcus Brady (Montreal, offensive co-ordinator)

— Buz

The early signs are Kevin Glenn is going to be a good fit with the Calgary Stampeders.

By reworking his contract to fit under the salary cap, Glenn is also showing he has enthusiasm for being in Calgary, despite getting designated the backup quarterback going into training camp.

The Stamps announced Glenn’s restructured deal Thursday — something that was likely worked out before the trade with Hamilton took place. It’s a good move for both parties. The Stamps secure a veteran backup at a backup’s salary, and Glenn gets the chance to compete for the starting job with someone going into their first full year as the No. 1 man.

Obviously, the Stamps would love not to play Glenn this season because it would mean that Drew Tate is doing well, but there is no question Glenn could give them a chance to win if he’s pressed into action. What Glenn will be looked for is his leadership, and the first step was restructuring his contract.

“I’m excited to be a Stampeder and I look forward to this next chapter in my career,” Glenn said. “I can’t wait to get to work with my new teammates.”

Tate’s contract extension was made official Wednesday, and the fourth-year Stamps QB is looking forward to meeting and working with Glenn. The 32-year-old is well liked among teammates.

It could be that he’s truly a team player, something that’s often stated but not as common as you would think. If Tate works out as the No. 1 man, Glenn could be his sidekick for years to come.

“This restructured deal gives Kevin an opportunity to finish his career here in Calgary,” Stamps GM-head coach John Hufnagel said.

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There might be a few West Division offensive players sending thank-you notes to the Minnesota Vikings in the next few months.

The Vikings have signed B.C. Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian to a free-agent deal, taking out the hardest-hitter in the CFL (as voted on by players in the TSN poll).

The 25-year-old University of Hawaii product signed a two-year deal with the Vikings, the same team that snagged Mannie Arceneaux from the Lions a year ago. Elimimian burst onto the scene in 2010, winning the CFL’s rookie of the year award while establishing himself as a tackling machine.

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A couple of moves with defensive backs in Ontario. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have announced that Canadian cornerback Ryan Hinds has signed a contract extension. Hinds spent the past two seasons with the Ticats, developing into a starter and helping them with their ratio.

Meanwhile, the Argos have released defensive back Lin-J Shell, who started 53 games over three seasons. Argos GM Jim Barker said Shell didn’t fit their new defensive scheme and this move frees money up under the salary cap.

— Buz