The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have officially hired Chris Jones as a senior defensive assistant, while mutually agreeing to part ways with former assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Mark Washington.
The 2018 CFL Coach of the Year takes over the defensive play-calling duties on head coach Scott Milanovich’s staff.
“I’d like to recognize coach Washington’s important achievements throughout his tenure in Hamilton and thank him for his hard work and dedication,” Milanovich said in statement.
“Decisions like this are difficult to make, but I believed it was important to take a different approach at this time. Coach Washington is an outstanding man. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”
“It’s exciting to add someone of coach Jones’ calibre to our staff, given his extensive experience and proven effectiveness on the defensive side of the ball. We look forward to the positive impact his knowledge and leadership will bring to the team.”
Jones was fired by the Elks on July 15 after a 0-5 start to the season. He went 8-33 in less than three seasons at the helm.
The 56-year-old South Pittsburg, Tenn. native is 61-70 all-time as a CFL head coach, winning a Grey Cup with Edmonton in 2015. Jones also won three Grey Cups as an assistant and defensive coordinator with the Montreal Alouettes, Calgary Stampeders, and Toronto Argonauts. He last held single duty as a defensive play-caller for Toronto in 2021, when he was brought in mid-season as a consultant.
During his first stop in Toronto, Jones served as the defensive coordinator under Milanovich. The two also worked together on the same staff in Montreal.
Washington had been the Ticats’ defensive coordinator since 2019, helping the team to back-to-back Grey Cup appearances to begin his tenure. However, Hamilton’s defence has struggled in 2024, sitting at or near the bottom in points surrendered and net offence allowed.
The 51-year-old previously held the same title with the B.C. Lions from 2014 to 2018. He has been employed continuously in the CFL since 1997, when he began as a player with the Montreal Alouettes.
The Ticats (2-8) visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, August 23.
