Riders hire Chris Jones as head coach and GM

After a week or so of speculation, it appears the Riders have come to an agreement with Eskimos head coach Chris Jones to become the team’s new general manager and head coach, according to a report from TSN. 

If true, Jones heads east after two seasons in Edmonton. Under Jones, the Eskimos quickly rose from the basement of the west division and won the Grey Cup in 2015. Before that, Jones spent time with the Toronto Argonauts, Calgary Stampeders and Montreal Alouettes.

Sources tell TSN Chris Jones heading to Riders as coach and GM Done deal.

— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) December 7, 2015

Chris Jones hired as head coach and GM with Riders. Done deal.

— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) December 7, 2015

The head coaching and general manager’s job became open in Saskatchewan after Brendan Taman and Corey Chamblin were fired from their jobs at the end of August following the Riders 0-9 start to the season. 

It’s believed that interim general manager Jeremy O’Day, Stampeders assistant general manager John Murphy and Redblacks assistant general manager Brock Sunderland were also in the running to become the team’s next general manager. 

The team is holding a media availability at 1 p.m. Monday.

According to TSN’s Gary Lawless, O’Day will remain with the Riders in his current position. 

Jeremy O’Day remains @sskroughriders as asst GM @cfl

— gary lawless (@garylawless) December 7, 2015

Current Eskimo players have also been quick to react to the news on Twitter as they lament the loss of their Grey Cup winning head coach. 

Dear Santa all I want for Christmas is my Coach Chris Jones back #Thanks

— Odell Willis (@KuntryKane205) December 6, 2015

Damn

— Odell Willis (@KuntryKane205) December 7, 2015

Damn

— Cauchy Muamba (@CauchyMuamba) December 7, 2015

Interesting…..#eskimos

— Danny Groulx (@DannyGee01) December 7, 2015