  Lyle Bauer has been the boss of the Bombers for a decade but he doesn’t sound like someone who plans to be back. (Brian Donogh/Winnipeg Sun files) |
The immediate future of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is expected to become clear this week.
But will that future include president/CEO Lyle Bauer and head coach Mike Kelly?
If you like speculation, boy have we got some grist for the rumour mill.
Start with yesterday's news out of Calgary, where Stampeders president Scott Ackles has vacated his chair to join the B.C. Lions.
Bauer's name has already been linked to Calgary, and now there's a job opening, perfectly suited for a man who used to work and live there when he was in the grain business.
Barely an hour after the Ackles news broke yesterday morning, Bauer sent an e-mail to Bomber staffers that, to some, sounded like a good-bye letter from a man who's been their boss for the last 10 years.
The e-mail begins like this:
"So another year is coming to completion and as we look back there were definitely some changes and challenges," Bauer wrote.
He goes on to praise the staff for its work "regardless of the situation, circumstance, or environment."
He wishes his staff a merry Christmas and healthy and prosperous New Year.
And then this:
"One thing about the New Year... it brings hope, optimism, and excitement about the future and I do believe the Winnipeg Football Club has a lot to be excited about on and off the field.
"Of course 2010 will bring it's (sic) own challenges and obstacles however as in the past I have confidence that you will deal with those challenges and hurdles head on and with your eyes wide open."
Nowhere in the e-mail does Bauer mention that he'll be part of the 2010 Bomber season.
Nowhere does he attempt to end the uncertainty surrounding his place in the organization.
The e-mail is the second Bauer has sent to his staff in the last two weeks. The first was a pep talk, of sorts, during this time of "uncertainty, speculation and rumors (sic)," as Bauer described it.
Again, not a word about his plans for 2010.
If Bauer planned to be back, wouldn't he reassure his staffers by telling them?
I'm not convinced he's heading to Calgary, but I am starting to think he's moving on.
Perhaps he senses the board is going to overrule his decision to bring Kelly back next season. When you've lost the support of your board for such a critical decision, common sense would suggest it's time to look elsewhere.
If Kelly is let go, it would cost the organization his $200,000-plus salary, probably for another two years. Not to mention the salaries of some assistant coaches, all signed, by Kelly, to two-year deals.
"It's obviously part of the overall budget," board chairman Ken Hildahl said yesterday. "But this one -- any decisions -- aren't based on cost.
"We will have an announcement. It'll be later in the week."
There's one last piece to this puzzle.
Yesterday afternoon, the Bombers sent out a press release touting the success of Bauer's Never Alone Foundation, which raised $170,000 in the fight against cancer this year to bring its total to $553,000.
This is Bauer's baby. He created the foundation after his battle with cancer in 2004-05.
The press release read a bit like a wrap-up.
In other years, we haven't seen year-end releases like this.
We're told Bauer's staff e-mails aren't the norm, either.
If Bauer's latest missive is, in fact, a farewell, then it's only fitting you read his last words:
"If you are traveling do so safely. Enjoy your family, friends and the spirit of the Season. Make memories as they are what makes all of us immortal and ultimately defines our journey. cheers. lb."
Where will Bauer's journey take him next?
We shouldn't have to wait long for the answer.
Contact Paul at paul.friesen@sunmedia.ca or 632-2788.
