Behind many high-profile deals, there is an interesting story - and that's definitely the case with Eric Tillman's hiring in Saskatchewan.
In what seemed like a relatively innocent conversation at the time, the Riders were able to start gauging Tillman's interest for their general manager post in the middle of July while on a TV set belonging to CBC at Mosaic Stadium.
Jim Hopson - the Riders' CEO - had wandered over to chat with Tillman, who was an analyst for the network during the Rider-Argo game that night.
"He was talking to me about the Ottawa situation ... (and asked), 'What are your thoughts?' " recalled Tillman.
"And I talked about what I thought the potential of the Ottawa situation was."
For weeks Tillman had been rumoured to be a general manager candidate for a new Ottawa team, given his history with the previous Renegades and the fact he calls the nation's capital home.
But in the midst of that conversation that night, Hopson snuck in a question about his own team.
"He said, 'Let me ask you a question: If the Ottawa thing doesn't happen this year, would you have an interest in our place?'" remembered Tillman. "I was stunned and said: 'You could win 10 or 11 games this year.' "
Hopson quickly pointed out that Roy Shivers was indicating he might leave at the end of the 2006 season. At the time, it didn't appear the Riders were considering a mid-season move - instead, were searching for candidates for the end of the year.
"I said, 'I almost took (the Rider job) in 1999 - I guess let's see what happens in Ottawa and we will cross that bridge when we get to it,'" continued Tillman.
But nearly one month after that conversation, Shivers was fired - and Tillman's remarks in July clearly left the door open for the Riders to start negotiations.
Three hours after Shivers had been shown the door, Saskatchewan opened real contract talks with their new general manager, sealing the deal inside of two days.
SPECULATION SWIRLING: It's no secret that Kent Austin and Dave Ritchie are being rumoured as head-coaching candidates in Regina if Danny Barrett leaves at the end of the year.
But consider these intriguing facts that just add fuel to the speculation fire:
- Besides being very close friends, Austin is a godparent to Tillman's two young children.
- As B.C. Lions general manager, Tillman traded Barrett for Austin after the 1993 season. It was actually a three-way trade: Barrett going to Ottawa, Tom Burgess leaving Ottawa for Saskatchewan and Austin leaving Regina for B.C.
LATE HITS: The rumour mill also continues to swirl in Hamilton, where the latest dispatch suggests the three candidates to replace coach Ron Lancaster: Winnipeg defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall, Charlie Taffe and Steve Burratto ... Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo has thrown six interceptions in the last two games. In the first nine weeks of the season, he had thrown four picks.
