When thinking about Chris Jones’ departure to the NFL, I recalled the late Don Matthews speaking at the coaches’ news conference prior to the 2003 Grey Cup game in Regina.
He made the point that there was little in the way of pensions for CFL coaches.
I bring this up because some are still seething about the events of this week, which saw Jones leave the Riders for Cleveland.
I realize Jones was likely compensated well in Riderville and was given complete control of the football team.
But, at the end of the day, looking out for number one in pro sports isn’t anything new.
I’ll agree that the optics of this don’t look good. Last week the Riders sent out a release outlining the structure of their football ops and coaching staff for 2019, days later the man in charge has left.
Some wonder if the CFL can close such loopholes. There is nothing that can be done.
Now is the time when NFL opportunities come up, and if the CFL is going to limit coaches chances of being paid more in the United States, it will limit the league’s chances of getting some of the best coaches in the game.