CFL roundtable: Who should run Blue Bombers’ offence?

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Drew Willy hands off the ball to Paris Cotton. (John Woods/AP)

With the release of Marcel Bellefuille from his duties, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are in need of an offensive coordinator. Head coach Mike O’Shea is heading towards the final year of his contract and coming off a 5-13 season in which his team averaged a league-low 316 yards per game, so it is imperative the Bombers get this hire right.

In this edition of the CFL roundtable, our expert panel debates the question:

Who should be the top candidate for the offensive coordinator position in Winnipeg?

DONNOVAN BENNETT: The top of my list would be Jarious Jackson, Marcus Brady and Tommy Condell. However, prying them away from situations where they are very comfortable with their bosses might be tough and costly. Men with ties to the organization like Doug Berry, Khari Jones and Paul LaPolice will get consideration, but it would be nice for the franchise to start fresh and make an inspired choice.

JUSTIN DUNK: “Who should be the top candidate?” and “Who’s available or willing to leave the same position on a different team?” are two vastly different questions. Mike O’Shea wants to hire a veteran offensive play-caller, that is for sure. Paul LaPolice would fit that description. If LaPolice gets the Saskatchewan head-coaching job and brings in a new staff, Jacques Chapdelaine could be the main man the Bombers go after.

ARASH MADANI: On the surface, the name is Paul LaPolice, and from what I’m told, Mike O’Shea is looking for the best candidate for the job—even if it means he’d be hiring his successor if things go off the rails again in Winnipeg. That speaks to the professionalism of O’Shea and being a true football man. If LaPolice ends up as the head coach in Saskatchewan, it would be intriguing if the Bombers go outside the box and hire Ryan Dinwiddie from Montreal. As interim offensive coordinator of the Alouettes in 2014, he helped resurrect the offence and get the Als to the East final.

JAMIE THOMAS: Khari Jones. He’s had success in the OC position when was with the Lions and helped Darian Durant lead the CFL in touchdown passes when he was the quarterbacks coach in Regina. Why not come back to where he had the best part of his playing career? Make the call now, Mike O’Shea.

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