Chris Jones – the Riders vice-president of football operations, general manager and head coach – has a lot on his plate. Perhaps too much.
While no one coach is listed as a defensive co-ordinator, Jones definitely has final say as to how it operates.
Last Saturday against the Bombers there seemed to be delays in getting plays out to the defensive unit.
The Green Zone’s Glen Suitor, one of the best Canadian defensive backs to play the game, wondered if rotational changes and subs were confusing players last Saturday against the Bombers.
On Tuesday, a difference in views with Jones led to the release of a very good defensive lineman, Jonathan Newsome.
Jones has extensive experience in player personnel as an assistant coach and some experience as a head coach in the CFL.
However, he is two years in to being a VP of football operations, and is just 5 and 15 as a general manager in the CFL.
There is a lot to learn. Delegating responsibility should be at – or near – the top of the to do list.