Henry Burris won’t be the Redblacks new offensive coordinator

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Citing a desire to spend time with his family, former Ottawa quarterback Henry Burris doesn’t want to be considered for the Redblacks’ vacant offensive coordinator position.

The job became available after Jaime Elizondo resigned suddenly last Friday and Burris, still a popular figure in Ottawa after earning a Grey Cup ring in 2016, has come up as a possible replacement.

“For me now, no. It’s very intriguing and trust me if that was a call that was to be made and trust me guys I’ve had sleepless nights dreaming of walking on the sideline with a hat on my head and a headset, I’ve had those dreams and it’s something down the road I would love to do,” Burris said on TSN 1200 radio in Ottawa.

Burris played three seasons in the nation’s capital and went out on top, retiring after leading Ottawa to a CFL championship in 2016. Smilin’ Hank was named Grey Cup MVP throwing for 461 yards and three touchdowns in the Redblacks 39-33 overtime victory. Current Redblacks head coach Rick Campbell felt Burris could be a really good coach.

“The best decision right now is to be here at home. I’m focused on helping kids, spending more time with my family and that’s where my focus is going to stay. I’ve been super busy around the clock and haven’t been a father and a husband like I should be as far as spending that quality time with your family like you need to spend,” Burris, who has two sons Armand 13 and Barron 10, said.

“Right now is the most important time for me to be here for my family, especially the boys and I’m definitely going to maintain that focus. And maybe one day when they both graduate from high school and move on to university and college and such, then at that point I’ll definitely look forward to possibly doing something.”