By Perry Lefko, Sportsnet.ca
The Edmonton Eskimos are about to name Rick Worman as their new offensive co-ordinator.
In fact, Sportsnet.ca has learned the Eskimos will make the announcement on Wednesday, while also announcing the contract extension of quarterback Ricky Ray, who is entering his option year.
Worman was the head coach of the Fresno Frenzy of Arena Football 2 in 2002 when Ray played seven games before coming to Canada to play for the Eskimos. Worman was a scout for the Eskimos at the time and tipped off the team about Ray, who has developed into one of the best quarterbacks in the Canadian Football League.
Worman bounced around for six years in the CFL as a quarterback. He began with the Calgary Stampeders in 1986, was acquired by the Eskimos in late 1988 and re-signed with the Stamps for the 1990 season. He spent the 1991 season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Worman worked as Winnipeg’s offensive co-ordinator in 2001, the year the Blue Bombers made it to the Grey Cup and quarterback Khari Jones was voted the Most Outstanding Player in the League. Worman later spent several years as a scout for the Eskimos. Worman coached the Eskimos’ quarterbacks in 2007.
Worman replaces Jacques Chapdelaine, who was fired as the Eskimos’ offensive co-ordinator after only one season. Scott Squires (special teams) and Carl Brennan (offensive line) were also let go.
The Eskimos failed to make the playoffs last year for the second consecutive season.
