After LA: Mike Gibson
Mike Gibson coached the University of Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns offensive line for the first three years of the Rickey Bustle era. From 2002-2004
A no-brainer for new OC
Two-year deal lures coach from U.S. college game
It's a ritual we go through every year, it seems. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers bring in a new offensive co-ordinator, and the first thing we do is send the men in the white coats after him to see if he's certifiable.
I mean, who in their right mind would take a job that has all the security of a gig on The Apprentice?
Everybody knows the Bombers change offensive co-ordinators the way J.Lo changes mates.
Ronnie Lancaster found that out, less than a year after seeing his office for the first time.
Of Lancaster's predecessors -- Paul LaPolice, Rick Worman, Joe Perella, Bill Stewart, Joe Paopao -- only LaPolice got to know the place, lasting two seasons.
With six OCs in the last seven years, the Bombers may as well just put velcro on the nameplate outside the guy's office. You know, the one with the revolving door.
"You run 'em out of town pretty fast, don't you?" Mike Gibson was saying yesterday.
USE PENCIL
Yes, we do, Mr. Gibson. Now here's your playbook. Feel free to make any changes you see fit.
Just use a pencil, OK?
We presume you'll be renting. We know this lovely, furnished one-bedroom. Low maintenance and, best of all, month-to-month.
"I'm going to look to buy," Gibson interjected. "I plan on moving here, and I plan on you and I having a conversation at the start of each season for a few years. As long as you have a job, hopefully I'll have a job."
What gives -- is the man head coach Jim Daley introduced yesterday delusional?
Maybe not.
It turns out Gibson has something that virtually guarantees him a longer-than-typical stay calling the shots for the Bomber offence: a multi-year contract.
In the CFL that means just two years, still twice as long as most assistants' gigs.
And it was obviously enough to lure Gibson from his job as offensive line coach at the University of Louisiana, where he'd been the last three years.
Gibson, 48, has actually spent virtually all of his 27 years coaching in the American college ranks, the lone exception being a year as O-line coach for the Bombers in 2001.
"I left a good job, but in this profession, opportunities come along and you make decisions," he said. "I've got a lot of confidence in myself and in the staff Jim put together. This is a big career decision for me. It's not something I'm taking lightly.
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By PAUL FRIESEN
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