O’Day wants CFL to set timelines for interviewing coaching candidates

Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day is in favour of a league-wide rule that would set dates for coaching candidates to interview with other teams.

“It would probably create a little clarity and maybe if teams are on different sides of it and they have different philosophies of it I think that a drop-dead date would be nice for the coaches,” O’Day said.

New Riders head coach Craig Dickenson agreed.

Saskatchewan asked for permission to interview Ottawa Redblacks offensive coordinator Jamie Elizondo and Winnipeg Blue Bombers OC Paul LaPolice but were denied by their respective teams.

Elizondo has been Ottawa’s play-caller for three seasons, helping the Redblacks win the Grey Cup in 2016.

LaPolice, who was a top candidate for the opening, spent three seasons coaching in Regina, two as the Riders’ offensive coordinator (2008 and 2009), O’Day was an all-star calibre offensive lineman for the years LaPolice coached in the Queen City.

LaPolice was originally hired as Winnipeg’s head coach following a two-year stint as the offensive coordinator with Saskatchewan. The Bombers didn’t finalize the hiring of LaPolice until Feb 4, 2010 .

“I don’t think I want to get into trying to predict or have the conversation with what the other organizations would have as far as giving permission,” O’Day said.

“I feel very comfortable with our organization and how we’re treated. Every team has their own circumstances and their own reasoning.”