WINNIPEG – There’s a new man at the helm of the Blue Bombers. Head coach Mike O’Shea was introduced to Blue and Gold fans Wednesday.
The 43-year-old CFLer said he can turn things around, but is it enough to get Winnipeg fans back on the wagon?
“That’s quite a reception, I appreciate that,” said O’Shea, as he received loud applause and a standing ovation from fans at the news conference where his appointment was announced.
O’Shea said he’s excited about moving his family to Winnipeg from Toronto, where he was the Argonauts special teams co-ordinator for the last four years.
O’Shea played 16 seasons in the CFL with the Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The father of three is second all-time in tackles in the CFL with 1,154. In 1999, he was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian.
He retired following the 2008 season and in 2010 was named the Argos special teams co-ordinator, where he served the past four seasons and earned a reputation for being as intense on the sidelines as he was as a player.
O’Shea won three Grey Cups as a player and another as a coach.
Experience will help turn this struggling franchise around, he said.
“I’m not afraid to try something other coaches won’t try,” he said. “I don’t want any negativity around the team, surrounding the organization — I want it to be a real positive message.”
For the first time, fans were invited to a coaching announcement, which was held at the Fairmont Hotel downtown.
Die-hard fan Werner Roller was thinking about cancelling his season tickets after a dismal 3-15 season, but now hopes O’Shea will bring toughness to the team.
“I think we’re in the right direction,” said Roller, who never missed a practice or game in the last six years. “I’ve changed my whole thinking of the team.”
Bombers officials said they don’t know how season-ticket sales are doing, but some season ticket holders still need convincing.
“We have some good players,” said Tyson Yelinek. “I hope he motivates them to be good players.”
Former Bomber Doug Brown said O’Shea will make all the difference.
“He brings things to the table you haven’t seen here for a while,” said Brown.
Often seen wearing a hoodie and sweatpants on the sidelines, O’Shea said he’ll do whatever it takes to win.
“I’m gonna wear whatever outfit allows me to win,” he said with a laugh, and his goal is to get a fifth Grey Cup ring.
His relationship with Bombers general manager Kyle Walters goes back to before his CFL career, as the two were teammates at the University Of Guelph in 1992.
Comments