  Roy Shivers, who was fired as Saskatchewan Roughriders GM on Monday, compiled a 52-64-1 record that never translated into hosting a playoff game. (File Photo) |
The only thing stranger than the timing of Roy Shivers' firing yesterday is the fact that the man let go was quite likely the wrong one.
Dismissed after seven years as the extremely average architect of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Shivers' departure sparked cheers and prompted office pools from Moose Jaw to Melfort as to when coach Danny Barrett will meet a similar fate.
(The smart money says Nov. 6 -- the day after the team loses in the West semifinal.)
Inextricably linked since 1999 when the former Stamps employees went east to run the Green Riders, Shivers and Barrett have compiled a 52-64-1 record, never able to host a playoff game or build a team anyone figured fit to win a Grey Cup.
Instead, the two have actually led the franchise to a steady decline of late that has the much-loved team making more headlines in courtrooms than on the field.
The circus-like atmosphere in the locker-room has spilled into the streets of Regina where player transgressions have increased under their watch.
The duo's handling of such behaviour has also been so upsetting a growing number of the league's most dedicated fans are avoiding Taylor Field game nights.
But to fire Shivers now, days after one of their biggest wins in years?
Team president Jim Hopson said the decision was made prior to the weekend's 46-15 win over Hamilton, alluding to the fact the duo's three-year plan was in its seventh season. They needed to stop the bleeding.
There was obviously no faith in the directors' eyes that Shivers had the sort of smarts to cut ties with aging/pricey veterans, sign free agents and turn the 4-5 team around under the league's new salary cap.
Having spent the bulk of his years around the CFL as one of the finest -- if not the best -- adjudicators of talent, Shivers has simply been unable to make the leap to administrator.
He did little to disprove theories he was in over his head as director of football operations.
As much as they hated to admit it, members of the 'Rider Nation could see their team wasn't progressing from year to year.
Just when it appeared the club was building nicely for a Cup challenge two years back, the duo severely botched handling of their quarterback situation, prompting Henry Burris to scamper west, leaving an overrated Nealon Greene to carry an impossible load with Marcus Crandell by his side. It was the beginning of the end.
Truth is, the fall guy should have been -- and will obviously soon be -- Barrett for being unable to corral the bountiful talents Shivers so often threw his way.
Unlike in Calgary, where Wally Buono rode Shivers' recruiting talents to two Grey Cups, Barrett hasn't been able to get the most out of his players.
Out-coached with regularity, the extremely likeable Barrett also appears overwhelmed many nights as cameras show him yelling frantically from the sideline.
Restless Riders fans have already come up with a short list of candidates to replace the former Stamps quarterback at season's end when Barrett will be shown the door by a GM, likely Eric Tillman, to be named within days.
Popular choices to replace Barrett would include defensive co-ordinator Richie Hall, offensive-line coach George Cortez or Kent Austin, who could all inject much-needed life into a franchise losing league-wide respect.
Truth is, Barrett would surely have been axed yesterday, too, had had it not signalled the club would then essentially be giving up on a season far from over.
Even with Barrett at the helm, there's still hope this is the year the glory of 1989 is re-lived.
At least that's what keeps 'Rider Nation going.
