The Edmonton Elks have added Terry Eisler and Will Arndt to the coaching staff, the team announced on Wednesday.
Eisler will assume the role of special teams assistant, while Arndt will be offensive assistant.
Elks head coach Jamie Elizondo says with the team last or near the bottom in key special teams’ categories, a change had to be made.
“We’re looking forward to improving in that area and have to improve because the numbers tell us that,” Elizondo said. “(Special teams) is such a key part of the game both on the return side and on the coverage side that we’re not being productive in and that’s a high area (of concern) that we’re addressing.”
Eisler returns to Edmonton after three previous stints with the green and gold after spending 2007-09 with Edmonton as the running backs coach and 2021 as defensive and special teams assistant.
The Regina native and former University of Saskatchewan Huskie has more than 25 years of coaching experience between the CFL and U Sports, including 22 years with the University of Alberta Golden Bears.
“First and foremost, Terry is a quality person with deep connections to Edmonton and our organization. His extensive special teams experience will be invaluable to us moving forward, working primarily on breakdowns and film prep,” Elizondo said.
Eisler, Elizondo, current assistants Noel Thorpe and Winston Octover will handle special teams collectively.
“At this point, when you make a change in the middle of a season it’s best to be handle internally,” Elizondo said. “It’s too hard to bring in somebody from the outside that you haven’t spent enough time culture-wise, your beliefs and your perspective.
“It’s being handled internally, and we needed the edition of Terry to help up along the way. He’s got great experience in this league, and he’ll be able to align some thoughts and ideas.”
Eisler was supposed to be part of former head coach Scott Milanovich’s coaching staff in 2020, but was part of staff restructuring after the cancellation of the season.
Ardnt is a first-time coach, most recently spending time with the B.C. Lions as quarterback. He was released by the team after training camp this season.
Arndt has also played for the Ottawa Redblacks — playing for Elizondo — during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
“Will brings a level of familiarity with our offensive system from his playing time in Ottawa that will benefit our group right away,” Elizondo said. “We’re excited to add Will to the mix to help our offence, specifically working with our quarterbacks.”
Arndt finished his CFL career with 103 completions and 940 passing yards in 18 games.
– with files from Dave Campbell, 630 CHED