EDMONTON – The Edmonton Eskimos enjoyed a resurgence under rookie head coach Chris Jones last season. Now, Jones has been rewarded for the team’s turnaround with a contract extension through 2016.
Jones was hired as Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator in November 2013, after Kavis Reed was dismissed following a dismal 4-14 season.
In Jones’ rookie campaign, the Eskimos finished with a 12-6 record, which included a 7-1 start and a home playoff win against the defending champions Saskatchewan Roughriders, before losing to eventual Grey Cup champions Calgary Stampeders in the West Division Final. Jones was a finalist for the CFL Coach of the Year award.
Despite last season’s success, the sophomore coach isn’t looking back.
“We didn’t win our last football game,” said Jones. “This is the start of our new year and we won’t mention last season… We’ve got to have a fresh start.
“It’s awesome, I’m in these dress clothes and I’m ready to get going.”
This is the third major extension announced by the Eskimos in the last several weeks. GM Ed Hervey was given an extension last month, and team President and CEO Len Rhodes was re-upped in early May. Coach Jones says he’s happy to see some continuity.
“When you can keep people in place, that do a good a good job and work well together, then good things happen.”
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