EDMONTON – The Edmonton Eskimos have fired Kavis Reed as head coach.
The organization made the announcement in an email Monday morning.
“We thank Kavis for his dedication and hard work over the past three seasons and wish him the best in the future,” said Eskimos General Manager Ed Hervey in a statement.
The announcement comes two days after the Eskimos wrapped up a 4-14 season, one of the worst campaigns in franchise history.
Reed’s future was in doubt following the Eskimos’ dismal campaign this year – the Eskimos scored the second-fewest points in the league while giving up the second most (519). Only 3-15 Winnipeg was worst.
At Sunday’s post-season media session, he s aid “what will happen will happen.”
“If this is my last year here I believe in the three years I’ve been here we’ve put this franchise back on the track it needs to be and it will enjoy success,” he said, adding that he wouldn’t change anything.
Reed was hired as the 19th head coach in Eskimos history on December 10, 2010.
Reed was named a CFL Coach of the Year finalist during his first year, when Edmonton finished with an 11-7 record and hosted their first home playoff game since 2004.
In 2012, the Eskimos finished with a 7-11 regular season record, before losing to the Toronto Argonauts in the Eastern Semi-Final.
Reed finishes his three year head coaching stint with the Eskimos with an overall record of 22-32.
G.M. Ed Hervey spoke with the media Monday afternoon, saying Reed accepted his decision with “exceptional class and grace.”
Hervey, who didn’t speak to the media for much of the season, said he’s “not certain” there was much Reed could have done this year to save his job.
“The record aside, there were other factors in my decision and moving forward I believe when I appoint the next head coach he will have all the qualifications that I want for this team. I believe that this team in some ways unachieved at times. The record did not reflect the changes we made in the off-season.”
He was especially critical of the team’s season-long rash of penalties that cost them valuable yards, first downs and points. He said Reed, his staff and the players never resolved that issue “and that was a concern of mine.”
He said that “this move was necessary,” and that he will now be looking for a coach with structure, an ability to unify, and develop. He added that he’s also not afraid to look south of the border to find Reed’s replacement.
You can hear what else Hervey had to say at the news conference in the video below:
Eskimos’ quarterback Mike Reilly also spoke with media Tuesday. He said the team’s performance isn’t just one person’s fault.
“It’s on all of us. It’s on everybody that’s part of the team…Kavis would probably be the first one to take the blame and put all that on his shoulders, but you know, everybody has to wear that…It’s going to take a collective effort by everybody to make things better next season.”
Our Kevin Karius and John Sexsmith shared their thoughts on what’s next for the team here:
With files from The Canadian Press
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