Jamie Nye: Is Jones really Coach of the Year?

Tonight, Saskatchewan Roughriders Head Coach Chris Jones could take home the coach of the year award.

Which again raises the question on when we should actually vote on coach of the year. Jones is nominated against Rick Campbell of the Ottawa Redblacks.

Jones had two more wins in the regular season and the votes were held before the West Semi-Final when Jones’ Riders were ousted and well before Campbell’s Redblacks thumped the Tiger-Cats to advance to the Grey Cup.

Take into consideration that Campbell also beat Jones’ Riders both times this season and you wonder if votes would be different if they were taken this week, instead of at the end of the year.

Voting used to take place after the Grey Cup and the trophy was awarded during a luncheon at what would now be CFL Week. Often the Grey Cup-winning coach was handed the award but the CFL has elected they’d like to present the trophy during the awards ceremony during Grey Cup Week, leaving out a key portion of the season where coaches make their money.

And wouldn’t it be strange to have Jones beat Campbell for Coach of the Year if Ottawa wins on Sunday?