Dave Campbell
CFL.ca
EDMONTON — From the time Eric Tillman arrived in Edmonton last September speculation was rampant about a forthcoming coaching change during the off-season.
But Tillman bought his time, allowing then head coach Richie Hall the opportunity to earn the right to retain his job for the 2011 season.
In the end, however, Hall’s efforts did not suffice and he was relieved of his duties two weeks before the Grey Cup.
Whenever the topic of the head coaching job was discussed with Tillman, one name that always surfaced was that of Kavis Reed. Tillman eventually hired Reed in December.
At the press conference to announce his hiring, Reed explained to the Edmonton media and fans alike that he’s ready for the challenge.
“I understand the tradition here, I understand the expectations here,” said Reed.
“I understand that we’re going to build a culture that has been reflective of the Eskimos of the past where you are afraid of being the weak link and you’re excited to be a part of the process. I have to say to you right now that I’m prepared to roll up my sleeves and help restore this franchise.”
Reed’s expectations are massive, to say the least, especially for a franchise that has missed the playoffs for three of its last five seasons. Going one step further, the Eskimos have finished last in the Western Division for four of the last five seasons.
So Reed has placed the challenge of restoring the good name of the Edmonton Eskimos solely on his shoulders. A star defensive back for the Eskimos in the second half of the 90s, Reed believes that it was then that he learned the true tradition that comes with wearing the Green and Gold.
It’s the same reason why Tillman says that Reed was at the top of his list of candidates and that the 38-year old reminds him of a coach he hired not too long ago while with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
“I feel the same way about Kavis as I did when I hired Kent Austin,” explained Tillman.
“People questioned it because even though they were both outstanding players they were young and had limited coaching experience but they both have that ‘it’ quality. Highly intelligent and highly organized.”
Tillman says he would have hired Reed if he was the general manager of any other CFL franchise. The one quality though that separated Reed from the other candidates was his familiarity with his surroundings.
“It was not only that he played here, it’s that he has a deep abiding love for this community and this franchise,” said Tillman.
“This is the head coaching job; it’s where he wanted to be. He’s always talked about the Green and Gold, the history, the tradition and I think he feels very blessed and honoured to have the chance to re-build a winning franchise.”
It’s why Reed named former teammate, Eskimo legend, and Canadian Football Hall of Famer Willie Pless as the team’s community ambassador. It’s why he has former Eskimo defensive lineman Jed Roberts address the team after one practice.
It’s why various Eskimos alumni have made their way down to training camp. Reed wants the Eskimos tradition restored and it’s a job that he’s not afraid of taking on. He may be a rookie but he’s not acting like a rookie. He’s conducting himself as a man who’s coached in the CFL for the last 10 years.
Reed’s affection for the Eskimos franchise was put on display when he hired the legendary Canadian Football Hall of Famer Willie Pless as the team’s community ambassador. He has also had several Eskimos alumni pay visits to the team after practices.
The new boss is also attempting to restore the tradition that was present in the locker room from when he was playing himself. Though he may in fact be a rookie, he certainly isn’t acting like one.
He’s seemingly conducting himself like coaching veteran of 10 years.
For that, he credits the various head coaches he’s worked under. The late Ron Lancaster in Hamilton, Joe Paopao in Ottawa, and Ken Miller in Saskatchewan have all provided him with more than substantial strategies.
He’s not afraid to raise his voice if he doesn’t like something he sees in practice. He’ll become almost a wild man, pointing, stomping, cussing and when you think he’s done, he’s back to give more.
Recently he made his team run relentlessly in an attempt to break them, they didn’t. The team pulled together and you saw defensive backs and receivers run extra sprints with offensive and defensive lineman. Reed called it a “defining moment” in the young season.
He can play the role of bad cop very well but make no mistake; he understands what it’s like to be a player. Receiver Adarius Bowman says the reason he signed in Edmonton was because of Reed.
“I feel like he’s a great players coach,” explained Bowman.
“A guy who’s played the game, been to training camps, played many seasons, and been right where we have been. Those days where your legs are not there, he can come in with great words that make you not think about it.”
If Reed is cut from the same cloth as Austin then perhaps it’ll be a good year for the Green and Gold.
At the very least, you’ll see a man on the sidelines, wearing the logo on his heart.