Sask's new head coach!

[Red Mile Style]

Kent Austin.

The dude was an amazing quarterback, he had three seasons with over 5000 passing yards, one over 6000. Not to mention winning the cup for Sask. in 1989... woot woot.

But, you know what they say: Those who can't do... teach. I think good players rarely make good coaches, because they seem to have natural talent and it is difficult to convey that back to the team. Look at people like Gretzky and Linecaster in Hamilton... ouch!

Ah well, I guess only time will tell. I think he will take chances that should make for interesting games... hopefully interesting Grey Cup games

[Resolute 14]

I wonder if he has fresh, new excuses for why the Riders suck year in, year out?

[Julio]

Maybe he'll just have to borrow from the "Why the Stampeders lost to Saskatchewan in the Western Semi Final this year" excuse book...

[Resolute 14]

No, Henry Burris playing like crap is an old excuse of theirs too.

[calculoso]

He couldn't even be the Offensive Co-ordinator of the Argos, and now he's expected to run everything?

I don't think he's a very good choice....

[RedHot25]

Originally Posted by calculoso

He couldn't even be the Offensive Co-ordinator of the Argos, and now he's expected to run everything?

I don't think he's a very good choice....

Yah, I had the same thoughts.

I'm NOT using this to bash (in good fun) 'Riders about this....but in all seriousness, what about calculoso's post? He does have a point - perhaps? Or does the "he was a great QB for the riders for a long time so he will be a great coach for the riders for a long time" thing take precedent? Or is he a good coach already? I don't know, that's why I'd be asking...

[North East Goon]

Did you see that jacket he got at the press conference...me want one! As for Austin, meh, I was hoping for Cortez.

[rubecube]

Matt Dunigan was a great QB too...

[JohnnyFlame]

Lots of good qualities possessed by Austin. He was as a player a guy who demanded a lot of himself and his teammates. Sounds ideal for a place where they are comfortable with being LOSERS!!

I bet he cleans house and that would be worth the hiring right there. Then if he installs his own work ethic into the coaching staff and demands it of his players he will have that organization in good shape.

Tillman is a sound football guy and looks like he wants a no nonsense approach with good longterm benefits. I'll bet it will take him a couple of years but I think it's a good hire for the Rider Nation.

[Red Mile Style]

Yep, I think Austin will definately stir up the passing game, which will be nice in a league that is pretty pass-happy. He's going to take chances, and that's exactly what Barrett didn't do enough of.

I personally really liked Shivers, I think he was decent at getting better than adequate players, so I'm still kind of wishy washy on Tillman, but Barrett just started to annoy me with his mediocrity.

Either way, I find it hard to imagine Austin screwing this up... maybe I'm just stuck in 1989 though...