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December 17, 2009
Hall will pull double duty as co-ordinator
Juggling footballs would be one thing. Whether or not Richie Hall can juggle his duties as head coach and newly appointed defensive co-ordinator of the Edmonton Eskimos remains up in the air. Coming off his rookie season as a CFL head coach, leading the Eskimos to a 9-9 record and their first West Division playoff appearance in three seasons, Hall spent the previous eight years as the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive co-ordinator. But it's not exactly familiar territory. "In some ways (it will be a smooth transition), because that's what I know, but at the same time it's going to be a challenge because I have responsibilities other than being more involved with the defence, still being the head coach," Hall said. "I think any time there are new things that come to the table you always look forward to the challenge." Hall replaces former defensive co-ordinator and defensive line coach Jim Daley, while former Eskimos defensive tackle and Washington State Cougars coach Mike Walker was brought in to administer the defensive line. "We're going to continue doing what was put in place last year," Hall said. "The players become more comfortable with what we're trying to do, being more consistent as far as working together." A year already? It was one year ago today that Hall was introduced to Edmonton as the Eskimos' newest head coach after taking over for Danny Maciocia, who moved up to general manager. "It's tomorrow, but who's remembering that day?" Hall said yesterday. "For me, I'll always remember it. I think you always remember those firsts and it's something I'm very thankful for, for the opportunity." Comiskey released The Eskimos announced the release of six-year offensive lineman John Comiskey yesterday. Originally acquired in a 2008 trade with the Calgary Stampeders along with receiver Kevin Challenger, the six-foot-four, 299-pound Windsor graduate started all 18 games that season. But he didn't play a down on offence last year, which was interrupted by a leg injury. |