CFL: Winnipeg Bombers Name Mike Kelly New Head Coach

Joel Lefevre by Analyst Written on December 02, 2008
Mike_kelly_feature

A move that seemed long overdue finally happened Tuesday as Mike Kelly was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  Kelly becomes the 27th head coach in team history replacing former coach Doug Berry who was dismissed following this season's dismal 8-10 record.

Mike Kelly returns home to Winnipeg where he served as offensive Co-ordinator from 92-96, helping the Bombers to three straight East division titles and two Grey Cup appearances.  During his first tenure as Bombers offensive co-ordinator he helped the offence set 29 club records including Matt Dunigan's impressive 713 yard passing game against his former club the Eskimos. 

While this will be Kelly's first professional coaching experience he will feel more than at home as he will also be the Bombers offensive co-ordinator next season.  As Kelly told TSN today was a dream come true, "Some people want to be a head coach. I've always wanted to be the head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers," said Kelly in a statement.

"When I told my two daughters, who were both born at the St. Boniface hospital, that I was becoming the head coach in Winnipeg, they both said ‘Dad, this is your dream job.' It really is." 

Team president Lyle Bauer has absolutely no doubts that Mike Kelly is the man for the job, "Mike's experience, passion and track record made him an ideal candidate for this job," said Blue Bombers President and CEO Lyle Bauer in a statement. "He has always said to me that his ideal job is to be head coach of this team. And that has become a reality." 

So Mike Kelly gets to live his dream but the job he just took will seem like anything but a dream, as this offence struggled mightliy last year and Kelly has got his work cut out to turn around a struggling Kevin Glenn and the rest of the offence.  Kelly takes over with only three goals in mind for this team and the long starving fans in Winnipeg, win the cup, win the cup,  and win the cup

Vote Now! - Author Poll

How will the Bombers fare with Mike Kelly as Coach?

  • Great, he exactly what the team needs to win the cup
  • better but not good enough to win it al
  • not any better than Doug Berry
  • Terrible, his lack of head coaching experience will show
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

How will the Bombers fare with Mike Kelly as Coach?

  • Great, he exactly what the team needs to win the cup

    72.7%
  • better but not good enough to win it al

    9.1%
  • not any better than Doug Berry

    9.1%
  • Terrible, his lack of head coaching experience will show

    9.1%
  • Total votes: 11
(0)
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written on December 02, 2008 Breaking News


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