Saskatchewan Roughriders coach Kent Austin laughs during his team's practice for the Grey Cup in Toronto November 23, 2007.SHAUN BEST/Reuters
There's lots of chattering going on in Regina about what the Saskatchewan Roughriders need to do to get back into the playoffs. Much of that talk has centred on with bringing back Kent Austin as head coach.
Not likely to happen, people.
Austin led the 'Riders to Grey Cup wins as a player and a coach. He's now the head coach at Cornell; apparently, pretty happy there, too. There's also a chance he may be asked to apply for the head-coaching position at his alma mater, Ole Miss.
All of which implies Austin's future is tied to a job south of the border. As Rob Vanstone of the Regina Leader-Post wrote, "His legacy is secure. He is a member of Roughriders royalty, as he should be. Why mess with that?"
What could be messed up is the 'Riders' front office and coaching staff now that Ken Miller has resigned. Brendan Taman's fate as general manager is unknown while it seems the veteran assistants on the staff (Steve Buratto, Richie Hall, Alex Smith, Bill MacDermott) will not be in line for the head man's job.
Those who should be considered in Regina? Montreal Alouettes' offensive co-ordinator Scott Milanovich along with Calgary Stampeders' offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson and defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones. All possess bright football minds and come with winning pedigrees.