Former Ticats DC Jeff Reinebold comes to Kent Austin’s defence

Former Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive coordinator Jeff Reinebold has come to the defence of embattled head coach Kent Austin,

Reinebold took to Twitter on Monday night, likely in response to fan reaction to the team’s 0-7 start, which have included calls for Austin to be fired. There were reports that fans were wearing bags on the heads during last Saturday’s 39-12 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

KENT AUSTIN IS A GOOD MAN WHO HAS HANDLED AN INCREDIBLY TOUGH SITUATION WITH GRACE AND DIGNITY – TAKE THE BAGS OFF YOUR HEADS & OSKEEWEEWEE https://t.co/2DW0fF4dRt

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— Jeff Reinebold (@Jeff_Reinebold) August 15, 2017

Reinebold was replaced by linebackers’ coach Phillip Lolley on Aug. 7 after the team started the season 0-6 while giving up 39 points per game. Reinebold was offered another role on the coaching staff but has been away from the club since his demotion and is not expected to return.

Austin was asked about the state of the fanbase at his press availability on Monday.

“We’re in a business where we are here to entertain our fans and to put a quality product on the football field. They pay money to come watch us play. I never begrudge a fan in any way to demonstrate what he’s feeling, positive or negative,” Austin said. “I totally understand that. They expect us to win, we expect to win. I get it. They have a total right to do that. They pay money to come see us play and they want us to play well.”