CFL: Winnipeg Blue Bombers Fire OC Gary Crowton After 6th Loss of the Season

After a dismal 1-6 start to the season, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers decided it was time for another major shake-up. After ousting CEO Garth Buchko and GM Joe Mack last week, the Bombers fired offensive coordinator Gary Crowton on Sunday.

Crowton's firing came after the team's 37-18 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at home on Friday, the Bombers' fifth consecutive loss.

Crowton's inability to get the passing game going led to his removal, as the Bombers have yet to find a solid solution at quarterback.  While running back Chad Simpson has been solid for the team, racking up 477 yards and five touchdowns with a 5.2 yards-per-carry average, the Winnipeg QB's have failed to match his level of play.

Buck Pierce started the season as the Bombers' QB but was ineffective.  He has thrown for only 854 yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions so far.  He was then replaced by Justin Goltz, who didn't fare much better.  Goltz has 476 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions and only a 57.7 completion percentage.

For Friday's game against the Ticats, the Bombers turned to a player making his CFL debut, former Arizona Cardinal and BYU Cougar QB Max Hall. In the first half of the game, Hall was impressive enough, going 10-12 for 129 yards and a touchdown.  After getting banged up in the second half, however, Hall started to falter, and finished the game with 241 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

While Hall is likely to get another chance, the same cannot be said for Crowton. Marcel Bellefeuille, who has been with the team for only a week, will take over Crowton's duties for the rest of the season.