The Edmonton Eskimos have parted ways with head coach Jason Maas after four years with the organization.
The football club announced the move in a media release Wednesday morning, saying Maas has been relieved of his duties as head coach, effective immediately.
“Today’s decision was difficult and not taken lightly. I thank Jason for his dedication and hard work while also wishing him the best in his future endeavours,” Eskimos GM Brock Sunderland said.
Speaking to media Wednesday afternoon, Sunderland said he delivered the news to Maas earlier that day and the decision came down to the team’s performance over the last few seasons.
“Unfortunately, these past two seasons we didn’t get to where I thought we should get.”
Sunderland said Maas took the news well, calling him a “consummate pro, very professional” and a “class act.”
There’s been a lot of speculation amongst Eskimos fans about what Maas’ fate may be at the end of the season and now, what led to his firing. Sunderland said it had nothing to do with any
controversial calls or hot-headed moments from Maas on the sidelines.
“I think when you’re around Jason day-to-day, that’s who he is and those of us who know him well, it doesn’t really catch us off guard because that’s who he is. Instead of the word ‘temper,’ I used the word ‘passion’ and that’s how I viewed it.”
Instead, Sunderland said football decisions are made for football reasons.
“This was a football decision.”
LISTEN BELOW: Edmonton Eskimos broadcast team Morley Scott and Dave Campbell’s exclusive one-on-one with Eskimos GM Brock Sunderland after the firing of head coach Jason Maas
Maas was named the 21st head coach of the Eskimos on Dec. 14, 2015. He leaves the team with a 39-33 regular-season record and a 3-3 post-season record that includes three division final appearances.
There is no word yet on a replacement. Sunderland said the organization was going to take its time finding a replacement, looking for the right person, rather than having someone in place on a certain day.
Sunderland joined the organization in April 2017 and inherited Maas as head coach at that time. This will be the first time Sunderland is hiring a head coach.
“Ultimately, we want the best success we can have for this organization. The qualities I’m looking for overall, this will come as vague but it’s the truth, it’s the person who will give us the best chance at a Grey Cup.”
LISTEN BELOW: Full Brock Sunderland news conference on Jason Maas
Three days after the Eskimos were eliminated from the CFL playoffs, Maas said he wanted to keep his job and that he truly believes the team is on the cusp of being a championship-calibre CFL team.
“My desire to be in Edmonton has never waned,” Maas told 630 CHED’s Dave Campbell on Nov. 20. “It was a very rewarding season in a lot of ways.”
At the time, Maas said he had been in conversation with Sunderland in the days after the 36-16 playoff loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“No matter what the decision that gets made, it will be the right one for the organization,” Maas said.
Sunderland referenced that conversation when speaking to media Wednesday afternoon. He called it a good conversation and said the two discussed the best way to get the team back to the Grey Cup.
Right now the only member of the coaching staff who has a guaranteed contract is defensive coordinator Phillip Lolley, according to Sunderland. His contract continues through 2020.
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