Kavis Reed named Esks head coach

Edmonton Eskimo General Manager Eric Tillman announced on Friday that Kavis Reed has been hired as the 19th Head Coach in the history of the team.

The former Eskimo defensive back has nine years of coaching experience in the CFL. He most recently acted as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

"This is a special day for our organization as we welcome an Eskimo back home." Tillman said in a written release. "Kavis is a bright young man who loves this city and our franchise. I know he has terrific motivational skills, and from a football perspective his coaching experience on offense, defence and special teams will be enormously beneficial as he takes this next step."

Reed led the Bombers’ defence to finish first in the league for allowing the fewest net passing yards for the 2010 season. The South Carolina native began his coaching career in 2001 with the Toronto Argonauts, and has worked with many CFL organizations over the years.

As a player, Reed played with the Eskimos from 1995-1999. He ended his career with 205 defensive tackles, and 20 intercpeptions – five of which were returned for touchdowns. He was named a CFL all-star in 1997.

Kavis and his wife Darlene have two children, Tyra and Tarik, and reside in Edmonton full-time.

The Eskimos fired their former head coach Richie Hall on November 12 after the team failed to make the playoffs.