Nelson promoted

THE CANADIAN PRESS

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos promoted Mark Nelson from linebacker coach to defensive co-ordinator on Monday.

The position came open when Rich Stubler left Edmonton for the B.C. Lions on Jan. 5.

"I'm very pleased Mark has accepted this opportunity to become our new defensive co-ordinator," Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed said in a statement. "He gives us the best of both worlds. With Mark, we'll have the benefit of continuity and a great feel for our players and their talents, along with a shared perspective in terms of defensive structure and emphasis as we go forward."

Nelson, an Edmonton native, has coached for 24 years at the professional and college levels including three years with the Eskimos as special teams co-ordinator (1992-94), linebacker coach (1992), and running backs coach (1993-94).