Inside the CFL: Lack of playoffs allow Alberta teams time to make decisions

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on October 24, 2024.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

For the first time since 1945, both Alberta teams will miss the postseason the same year.

Former Regina Roughrider Dean Griffing organized the Stampeders at the end of the Second World War.

Edmonton fielded a team from time to time beginning in 1892. They were the first Western team to contest the Grey Cup, losing 23-0 to Toronto, but were on the sidelines most years between the wars until 1949 when they became a permanent member of the CFL professional football scene.

They were successful almost from the start, making the playoffs in 1950 and 11 straight years thereafter.

They missed the postseason five times in the 60s but it has been success after success until winning the Cup in 2005, a feat they accomplished again 10 years later.

Since then they’ve finished out of the money seven times, setting a North American record for home losses along the way.

Oh had the mighty fallen.

This was the team that had a 34-year playoff run, 1972-through 2005, winning 14 Grey Cups.

The list of those in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame reads like an EE Honour Roll.

Under Chris Jones, the herd faced extinction, unthinkable for the City of Champions. Under the steady hand of former team president Rick LeLacheur, the team is now on the verge of respectability.

Success in professional sports starts at the top.

He was in charge when the green and gold won Grey Cups in 2003 and 2005. After leading the Lions from 2018 through 2022, on Aug. 22, 2023 he became interim president of the Elks. Earlier this season he fired Jones, appointed Geroy Simon GM and offensive co-ordinator Jarious Jackson interim head coach. He also arranged the sale of the franchise which had been community owned since its inception to local businesman and football fan Larry Thompson, who said, “Since I started going to Eskimos games at Clarke Stadium in 1972, I’ve loved this team … My promise to the fans is that I’ll do everything in my power to ensure the club has the resources to be the best in the CFL.”

He sold his construction business for a reported $800,000,000 so he has the where-with-all to make good on his promise to what was once the second most envied fan base in the country. (On Roughriders!)

When Rick introduced me to Thompson and wife Debbie on Labour Day, they looked bewildered and overwhelmed but were eager to get on with the task. In my opinion, there have been very few good private owners in the CFL, (Robert Wetenhall, Montreal, David Braley, Hamilton, Toronto, and B.C., Sig Gutsche and the Forzani group In Calgary, Ti-Cat Bob Young and Lion leader Amar Doman).

I think the Thompsons will do well.

The situation in Edmonton was a total mess when Rick LeLacheur came to the rescue.

That is not the situation in Calgary.

The Stampeders have had their days of glory with Les Lear going undefeated and winning the Cup in 1948, Rogers Lehew in the 1960s, Wally Buono/Stan Schwarts in the 90s.

This season marks the first time in 18 years they have missed the playoffs.

The Hufnagel-Dickenson era produced three Grey Cups out of six tries. Last year their record was 6-12. This campaign they are 4-12-1 going into Saskatchewan on Saturday.

Usually coaches don’t survive that kind of failure, especially since many players looked so disinterested recently. I personally feel badly about the situation because the Stampeders have always treated me like royalty and I have the greatest admiration for Huff and Dave.

So do most Calgarians.

You hear very few fans saying either one should go. The decision will be made by first-year president and former Stampeder great Jay McNeil. He is exceptionally knowledgeable about football and people.

Rick LeLacheur has more football management experience but McNeil played and knows how to read the dressing room.

Dickenson believes the talent is there. McNeil is equipped to evaluate that claim. He possesses formidable integrity and respect. He will do what is right for the team and Calgarians will accept his decision.

Both Alberta teams need to make decisions about coaching.

Both clubs need to rebuild their defences and decide who will be the quarterback.

The rebuilds won’t be easy but both teams have the right man at the top.

Graham Kelly has covered the CFL for the Medicine Hat News for 52 years. Feedback for this column can be emailed to sports@medicinehatnews.com.