2025 @CFL hot stove league

Microsoft's Bing search engine has a feature you sign up for which lists top news items. I look at it every day because I think it gives a fair representation of what the "establishment" media are talking about.

Believe it or not, the top item this morning was the Bomber fan who hasn't worn slacks for nineteen years! Bing's headline read, "'Shorts Guy' gets to finally wear pants after Winnipeg wins Grey Cup."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/shorts-guy-gets-to-finally-wear-pants-after-winnipeg-wins-grey-cup/ar-BBXhAsq

GA Russell · November 30, 2019

I promise I will put up Grey Cup and Vanier Cup links very soon. In the meantime, let's look at this week's news.

The Eskimos fired Jason Maas.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/27/esks-part-ways-head-coach-jason-maas/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/edmonton-eskimos-jason-maas-cfl-1.5375146
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/27/eskimos-gm-brock-sunderland-provides-reasons-for-decision-to-fire-jason-maas/
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/27/sunderland-on-letting-maas-go-we-underachieved-as-a-team/

*****

The 2019 CFL All-Star team was announced.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/27/stars-aligned-2019-cfl-stars-unveiled/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/27/hey-now-2019-cfl-all-stars/

*****

The Arena Football League ceased operations, and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/28/arena-football-league-ceases-operations-files-for-bankruptcy/

*****

The XFL denied the Eskimos permission to interview Jaime Elizondo for its head coach position.
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/28/xfl-denies-eskimos-permission-to-interview-jaime-elizondo/

*****

The league produced its complete list of pending free agents.
https://www.cfl.ca/fa20/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/28/comprehensive-pending-2020-cfl-free-agent-list/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/30/three-free-agents-every-cfl-team-must-re-sign/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/28/the-edmonton-eskimos-potential-2020-free-agent-list/

*****

Rob Maver has retired.
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/28/calgary-stampeders-canadian-punter-rob-maver-retires/
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/28/punter-rob-maver-retires-10-cfl-seasons/

*****

Many thousands attended the Bombers' parade.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/blue-bombers-parade-livestream-winnipeg-1.5373522
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/29/a-sea-of-blue-and-gold-and-a-little-grey/

*****

The Argos released James Wilder, Jr., as per his request.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/25/argos-grant-wilder-jrs-request-release/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/james-wilder-jr-granted-release-request-cfl-1.5372953

*****

The Stampeders cut Dexter McCoil. There must be an unreported story there.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/25/stamps-add-three-canadians-release-mccoil/

*****

The XFL will use a ball with a unique grip, and with X's on the noses rather than circles.
https://www.xfl.com/en-US/articles/football-official-release

GA Russell · December 3, 2019

BC has hired Rick Campbell to be their new head coach.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/bc-lions-new-head-coach-rick-campbell-cfl-1.5381323
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/02/lions-officially-name-rick-campbell-head-coach/
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/02/rick-campbell-introduced-as-lions-new-coach/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/02/lions-expected-to-name-rick-campbell-head-coach/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/02/rick-campbell-is-the-safe-hire-but-hes-also-the-right-one-for-the-lions/

*****

2019 season wrap-up
https://doorfliesopen.com/2019/11/28/cfl-beat-110/
https://firstdownsportspodcast.com/2019/11/27/fds-cfl-is-this-it/
https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/2019-rider-season-grades
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/01/green-cast-its-business-time/

GA Russell · December 8, 2019

As promised...

2019 Grey Cup

Winnipeg 33....Hamilton 12
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-grey-cup-winnipeg-blue-bombers-hamilton-tiger-cats-107-1.5371689
https://stats.cbc.ca/football/cfl/recap/80490
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-grey-cup-winnipeg-blue-bombers-hamilton-tiger-cats-key-moments-1.5371807
https://www.cfl.ca/games/2646/hamilton-tiger-cats-vs-winnipeg-blue-bombers/#/preview
https://www.cfl.ca/games/2646/hamilton-tiger-cats-vs-winnipeg-blue-bombers#/boxscore
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/24/game-capsule-all-scoring-plays-from-107th-grey-cup/
https://www.cfl.ca/thewaggle#188
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/blue-bombers-grey-cup-winnipeg-airport-1.5372696
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/27/the-bombers-won-the-drought-is-done/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/29/a-sea-of-blue-and-gold-and-a-little-grey/

Justin Medlock tied the Grey Cup record with six field goals.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/24/medlock-ties-grey-cup-record-six-made-field-goals/

The Bombers are taking orders for Grey Cup Champions merchandise.
https://www.thebomberstore.com
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/03/never-early-start-holiday-shopping/

Grey Cup Plays of the Week
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/25/thiadric-brings-the-thunder-in-the-timber-mart-plays-of-the-week/

Take a look at this.
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/01/bombers-fan-drinks-28-year-old-beer-to-celebrate-grey-cup-victory/

*****

12/04 checking down
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/04/checking-eyes-coaches/

*****

Jason Maas has agreed to be Sask's new offensive coordinator.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/06/riders-name-jason-maas-offensive-coordinator/
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/07/maas-want-opportunity-coach-one-day/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/sask-roughriders-edmonton-head-coach-1.5386734
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/29/none-of-riders-assistant-coaches-under-contract-beyond-2019/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/05/riders-finalizing-contract-with-jason-maas-as-saskatchewans-offensive-coordinator/
https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riders-hire-jason-maas-as-new-offensive-coordinator

*****

Jamie Nye has drawn up an all-star team of pending free agents.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/06/selecting-2019-cfl-free-agent-team/

*****

Paul LaPolice has agreed to become Ottawa's next head coach.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/07/report-reports-redblacks-name-lapolice-head-coach/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/paul-lapolice-ottawa-redblacks-1.5388492
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/27/redblacks-lions-ask-permission-to-interview-bombers-paul-lapolice/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/30/five-reasons-why-the-redblacks-coaching-vacancy-is-appealing/

*****

Flutie Flakes are back!
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/04/start-your-day-right-with-fresh-flutie-flakes/

GA Russell · December 10, 2019

And as promised...

2019 Vanier Cup

U. Calgary Dinos 27....U. Montreal Carabins 13
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/university/usports-vanier-cup-calgary-dinos-montreal-carabins-1.5371187
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/23/sinagra-leads-dinos-to-first-vanier-cup-title-since-1995/
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/23/sinagra-leads-dinos-first-vanier-cup-title-since-1995/

Here are some articles I saved about the playoff games leading up to the Vanier Cup.

https://3downnation.com/2019/11/09/acadia-axemen-chop-down-bishops-earn-loney-bowl-trophy/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/09/montreal-upsets-laval-in-quebec-city-hoist-dunsmore-cup-in-enemy-territory/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/09/mac-attack-no-1-western-melts-down-as-mcmaster-pulls-upset-for-yates-cup/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/09/dinos-revenge-calgary-dominates-saskatchewan-in-hardy-cup/

https://3downnation.com/2019/11/15/usports-football-head-to-head-break-down-of-uteck-bowl-and-mitchell-bowl-combatants/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/16/usports-football-danny-maciocia-leads-montreal-carabins-to-the-vanier-cup/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/16/dinos-defence-dominates-mcmaster-as-calgary-secures-spot-in-vanier-cup/
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/16/dinos-carabins-advance-55th-vanier-cup/

https://3downnation.com/2019/11/21/vanier-cup-grey-cup-pairing-in-the-works-must-happen-for-future-growth/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/21/usports-elo-ratings-and-vanier-cup-predictors/
https://3downnation.com/2019/11/21/western-mustangs-qb-chris-merchant-wins-hec-crighton-trophy/
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/22/ferguson-calgary-montreal-battle-vanier-cup/
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/22/ferguson-previewing-u-sports-vanier-cup/

GA Russell · December 12, 2019

The Eskimos have hired Scott Milanovich to be their new head coach.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/edmonton-eskimos-scott-milanovich-cfl-1.5394411
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/12/eskimos-hire-scott-milanovich-22nd-head-coach/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/12/official-eskimos-name-scott-milanovich-head-coach/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/12/eskimos-want-to-close-in-on-scott-milanovich-as-head-coach/

*****

The Argos fired Corey Chamblin, and hired Ryan Dinwiddie to replace him.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/toronto-argonauts-ryan-dinwiddie-head-coach-cfl-1.5394595
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/12/report-argos-part-ways-corey-chamblin/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/12/argos-relieve-corey-chamblin-of-head-coach-duties/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/12/argos-to-hire-ryan-dinwiddie-to-be-head-coach/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/12/ryan-dinwiddie-leaving-stampeders-for-mystery-team/

*****

Free Agent analyses
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/12/true-north-football-podcast-episode-6-big-changes-to-cfl-free-agency/

Eastern
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/12/free-agency-2020-east-division-breakdown/

*****

12/11 checking down
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/11/checking-news-notes-off-season/

*****

2019 Top 10 performances
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/12/top-10-performances-of-2019/

*****

Analyses

Ottawa
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/10/off-season-outlook-ottawa-redblacks-2/

BC
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/12/off-season-outlook-bc-lions-2/

*****

The Scouting Buireau released its Winter top 20 list of prospects.
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/10/scouting-bureau-winter-edition-top-20-prospects-eligible-for-the-2020-cfl-draft/

Edited December 12, 2019 by GA Russell

GA Russell · December 16, 2019

The league released the 2020 schedule today.
https://www.cfl.ca/schedule/?season=2020
https://www.tsn.ca/2020-cfl-on-tsn-broadcast-schedule-1.1229431
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/16/cfl-unveils-2020-schedule/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/16/complete-2020-cfl-schedule/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/16/details-of-the-saskatchewan-roughriders-2020-schedule/

*****

Toronto analysis
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/15/off-season-outlook-toronto-argonauts-2/

*****

2019 Top 10 offensive touchdowns
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/16/top-10-offensive-tds-of-2019/

*****

Free Agent analyses

Western
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/16/free-agency-2020-west-division-breakdown/

Hamilton
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/15/analyzing-the-ticats-free-agent-list/

*****

Cory Watson has retired, and will be an assistant coach at McGill.
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/16/canadian-receiver-cory-watson-accepts-coaching-job-at-mcgill-university/

Edited December 17, 2019 by GA Russell

GA Russell · December 23, 2019

Here is your chance to vote for the league's All-Decade team!
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/17/introducing-the-3downnation-all-decade-cfl-team/

*****

12/18 checking down
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/18/checking-news-notes-off-season-2/

*****

Team analyses

Calgary
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/16/off-season-outlook-calgary-stampeders-2/

Montreal
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/18/off-season-outlook-montreal-alouettes-2/

Edmonton
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/19/off-season-outlook-edmonton-eskimos-2/

Sask
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/21/off-season-outlook-saskatchewan-roughriders-2/

*****

2019 highlight videos

Top 10 interceptions
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/16/top-10-interceptions-of-2019/

Top 10 catches
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/20/top-10-catches-of-2019/

Top 10 defensive plays
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/13/top-10-defensive-plays-of-2019/

Top 10 "What the ?!" moments
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/09/10-what-the-moments-from-2019/

*****

Each team revealed ten names from its neg list.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/17/cfl-reveals-list-10-negotiation-list-players-team-4/
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/17/ferguson-two-names-know-teams-neg-list/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/17/cfl-teams-reveal-10-players-from-their-negotiation-lists-for-ncaa-bowl-season/
https://www.tsn.ca/jalen-hurts-devlin-hodges-headline-cfl-negotiation-lists-1.1414637
http://rodpedersen.com/out-of-the-tunnel-dissecting-the-neg-lists/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/22/a-whos-who-of-who-volume-two-getting-to-know-the-riders-neg-list/

*****

Ottawa has hired Mike Benevides to be its new DC, and Alex Suber to be its new receivers coach.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/17/redblacks-hire-mike-benevides-defensive-coordinator/
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/20/redblacks-hire-alex-suber-receivers-coach/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/17/redblacks-hire-mike-benevides-as-defensive-coordinator/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/20/redblacks-hire-former-cfler-alex-suber-as-receivers-coach/
https://www.tsn.ca/ottawa-redblacks-add-mike-benevides-as-defensive-coordinator-1.1414645
https://www.tsn.ca/redblacks-add-former-cfl-defensive-back-alex-suber-as-receivers-coach-1.1416312

*****

Montreal has hired Marcel Bellefeuille to be its new OL coach.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/20/als-add-bellefeuille-staff-retain-slowik/
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/20/alouettes-hire-marcel-bellefeuille-as-offensive-line-coach/

*****

Derek Taylor uses stats to analyze the 2019 season.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/22/cauz-details-2019-season-ft-derek-taylor/

*****

Dave Naylor reviews the 2019 season.
https://www.tsn.ca/looking-back-at-a-memorable-year-for-canadian-football-1.1415817

*****

Nik's Top 10 teams of the decade
https://lastwordoncanadianfootball.com/2019/12/19/top-10-cfl-teams-of-the-decade/

*****

Mike Moreale interview
https://thegruelingtruth.com/podcast/after-the-gridiron-interview-with-retired-football-player-mike-morreale/

GA Russell · December 29, 2019

I hope everyone enjoyed his Christmas!

2019 videos

Season recap
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/27/bennett-recapping-all-that-2019-had-to-offer/

Top 10 celebrations
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/25/its-a-celebration-top-10-cellys-of-2019/

Top 10 special teams plays
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/27/top-10-special-teams-plays-of-2019/

Top 10 offensive touchdowns
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/16/top-10-offensive-tds-of-2019/

GA Russell · December 30, 2019

Team analyses

Hamilton
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/26/off-season-outlook-hamilton-tiger-cats-2/

Winnipeg
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/28/off-season-outlook-winnipeg-blue-bombers-2/

Ottawa
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/21/six-stats-that-explain-the-redblacks-dreadful-season/

*****

The league has started a page to keep track of this year's free agents.
https://www.cfl.ca/fa20/

*****

The league ranks 2019's ten best games.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/29/ranking-10-best-games-2019/

*****

3DownNation has started a page to keep track of the guys who get NFL tryouts.
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/24/cfl-related-nfl-workout-tracker/

*****

3DownNation's All-Decade team

Def. Backs
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/24/the-3downnation-all-decade-cfl-team-defensive-backs/

Linebackers
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/25/the-3downnation-all-decade-cfl-team-linebackers/

Def. Linemen
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/26/the-3downnation-all-decade-cfl-team-defensive-line/

Running Backs
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/29/the-3downnation-all-decade-cfl-team-running-back/

Receivers
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/28/the-3downnation-all-decade-cfl-team-receivers/

O Linemen
https://3downnation.com/2019/12/27/the-3downnation-all-decade-cfl-team-offensive-line/

GA Russell · January 8, 2020

Nick Arbuckle is a pending free agent. He has already said that he will not sign with a team which will not let him start. So Calgary traded his rights to Ottawa for a third round pick. If Ottawa signs Arbuckle, the teams will exchange first round picks. Ottawa's pick is the first overall.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/03/redblacks-acquire-qb-nick-arbuckle-in-trade-with-stampeders/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/03/ckrm-sportscage-audio-justin-dunk-breaks-down-the-stamps-redblacks-trade-involving-nick-arbuckle/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/05/stampeders-will-receive-first-overall-pick-in-2020-cfl-draft-if-redblacks-sign-qb-nick-arbuckle/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/03/report-redblacks-acquire-arbuckles-rights-stamps/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/07/arbuckle-right-fit-redblacks/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/nick-arbuckle-quarterback-ottawa-redblacks-1.5414728

*****

David Braley has been named an Officer of the Order of Canada. That is the middle of the three levels.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/30/cfl-congratulates-david-braley-order-canada/

*****

Pat Steinberg recaps the decade.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/30/steinbergs-mmqb-unforgettable-decade/

*****

Top 10 Plays of 2019
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/30/timber-mart-top-10-plays-of-2019/

*****

Jeremiah Masoli was a pending free agent, but chose to re-sign with the Ti-Cats. I'll be waiting for another shoe to drop.
https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/31/ticats-agree-extension-jeremiah-masoli/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/jeremiah-masoli-signing-tiger-cats-cfl-1.5411531
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/05/masoli-extension-brings-healthy-qb-competition-ticats/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/06/steinbergs-mmqb-future-hold-masoli-evans/

*****

The league has found a pair to own the Alouettes. So the first order of business was to let go the team's CEO.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/06/montreal-alouettes-new-owners-announced/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/06/oleary-cfl-team-ownership-dream-come-true-stern-spiegel/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/06/new-alouettes-ownership-meets-montreal-media/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/06/sid-spiegel-gary-stern-purchase-montreal-alouettes/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes-new-ownership-cfl-1.5416122
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/03/patrick-boivin-no-longer-president-ceo-montreal-alouettes/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/03/cfl-ousts-patrick-boivin-as-alouettes-president/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes-president-ceo-patrick-boivin-1.5414639
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/06/new-owners-of-the-alouettes-to-be-unveiled-in-montreal/

*****

BC has announced its new coaching staff. Many familiar names.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/bc-lions-coaching-hires-cfl-1.5416798

*****

The league's collective bargaining agreement has now been finalized. Here is the .pdf.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/07/the-comprehensive-cfl-collective-bargaining-agreement/

*****

Reggie Begelton has signed with Green Bay.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/06/official-cfl-all-star-receiver-reggie-begelton-signs-with-green-bay-packers/

*****

In their search for a new head coach, Cleveland has been talking to...Ryan Dinwiddie!
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/06/browns-head-coach-search-has-cleveland-talking-to-argos-ryan-dinwiddie-report/

*****

June Jones offered Jeff Reinebold a job to join him in the XFL.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/05/jeff-reinebold-was-conflicted-by-june-jones-offer-but-felt-ticats-were-building-in-unique-way/

*****

Speaking of the XFL, they announced their new rules today.
https://www.xfl.com/rules

GA Russell · January 11, 2020

The winter meetings occurred Tuesday.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/07/gm-meetings-quote-board-standout-statements-tuesday/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/08/5-takeaways-cfl-gm-meetings/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/09/alouettes-hire-hall-of-fame-db-barron-miles-as-defensive-backs-coach-pass-game-coordinator/

*****

1/8 checking down
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/08/checking-news-notes-off-season-3/

*****

Bo Levi Mitchell has had surgery on his throwing shoulder.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/08/5-takeaways-cfl-gm-meetings/#mitchell

*****

The Alouettes have announced this year's coaching staff. The big addition is Barron Miles.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/09/alouettes-announce-2020-coaching-staff/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/09/alouettes-hire-hall-of-fame-db-barron-miles-as-defensive-backs-coach-pass-game-coordinator/

*****

Derrick Moncrief has signed with Las Vegas (nee Oakland).
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/09/cfl-all-star-lb-derrick-moncrief-signs-with-las-vegas-raiders/

*****

Ryan Dinwiddie denies that he has Spoken with Cleveland about their head coaching job.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/08/argos-ryan-dinwiddie-calls-nfl-head-coach-discussions-fake-news/

*****

TSN lists more free agent signings.

Chris Edwards to San Francisco.
Nick Usher to Las Vegas
Winston Rose to Cincinnati
Marcus Sayles to Minnesota
William Stanback to Las Vegas

https://www.tsn.ca/cfl-2020-potential-free-agents-1.1406918

GA Russell · January 30, 2020

There has been a fair amount of news the past three weeks. For those of you who can't wait till I break out the biggest stories, here are the three Checking Down links.

1/15
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/15/checking-news-notes-off-season-4/

1/22
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/22/checking-news-notes-off-season-5/

1/30
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/30/checking-news-notes-off-season-6/

GA Russell · January 31, 2020

Mike O'Shea has promoted Buck Pierce to OC, and has announced his coaching staff.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/19/bombers-promoting-former-cfl-qb-buck-pierce-to-offensive-coordinator/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/buck-pierce-offensive-coordinator-winnipeg-blue-bombers-1.5434402
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/21/pierce-steps-into-oc-role-in-winnipeg/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/21/bombers-announce-2020-coaching-staff-changes/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/21/official-bombers-finalize-offensive-coaching-staff/

*****

Brendan Taman will be Montreal's new "senior player personnel" exec.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/24/former-bombers-riders-general-manager-brendan-taman-hired-by-alouettes/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/24/als-bring-gamble-taman-football-operations-staff/

*****

Team analyses

Ottawa
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/26/prioritizing-the-ottawa-redblacks-pending-cfl-free-agents/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/21/upon-review-ottawa-redblacks/

Sask
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/10/nye-5-off-season-priorities-riders/

Toronto
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/17/argos-making-secondary-primary-focus-off-season/

*****

Montreal has hired Danny Maciocia as their new GM.
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes-gm-president-danny-maciocia-cfl-1.5424866
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/10/report-als-eyeing-maciocia-next-general-manager/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/13/alouettes-name-maciocia-gm-cecchini-president/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/13/oleary-maciocia-cecchini-ushering-exciting-new-era-als/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/13/alouettes-introduce-cecchini-maciocia-as-president-and-gm/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/14/cauz-refreshing-energy-enthusiasm-als-co-owner-stern/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/15/oleary-qa-danny-maciocia/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/12/the-alouettes-are-hiring-danny-maciocia-as-general-manager-mario-cecchini-president/

*****

Scott Milanovich has announced his coaching staff.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/15/eskimos-announce-2020-coaching-staff/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/15/thorpe-named-defensive-coordinator-as-esks-round-out-coaching-staff/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/16/thorpe-im-looking-forward-bright-future/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/21/eskimos-finalize-2020-coaching-staff/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/15/eskimos-finally-hire-noel-thorpe-as-defensive-coordinator/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/21/eskimos-hire-former-mount-allison-university-head-coach-kelly-jeffrey-as-quarterbacks-coach/

*****

Dave Dickinson has announced his coaching staff.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/16/stampeders-announce-2020-football-staff/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/16/stampeders-unveil-new-look-football-operations-and-coaching-staff/

*****

Greg Knox will be Ottawa's DB coach.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/17/greg-knox-named-redblacks-db-coach/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/17/redblacks-hire-former-cfl-all-star-db-greg-knox-as-defensive-backs-coach/

*****

Free Agent analyses
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/17/pending-free-agent-team-need-extend/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/21/oleary-free-agents-can-get-team-top/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/22/great-debate-no-1-pending-free-agent-2/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/23/cfl-cas-top-30-pending-free-agents-4/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/24/canadian-content-ranking-national-free-agents-3/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/27/negotiating-window-new-feature-2020-free-agency/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/31/free-agency-negotiating-window-explained/

*****

Ryan Dinwiddie has begun to choose his coaching staff.
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/21/report-argos-announce-coordinators-2020/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/16/dinwiddie-ready-for-the-opportunity/

*****

DaShaun Amos to Green Bay.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/15/stamps-release-defensive-back-dashaun-amos-to-pursue-nfl-opportunity/

*****

Bralon Addison to Minnesota.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/16/former-ticats-receiver-bralon-addison-signs-with-minnesota-vikings/

*****

Kendal Vickers to Las Vegas.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/22/former-cfl-dl-kendal-vickers-has-agrees-to-terms-with-las-vegas-raiders/

GA Russell · February 7, 2020

Lots of free agent news and analyses!

Ottawa let go Jonathan Jennings, Will Arndt, Mossis Madu and others. Arndt signed with BC.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/23/redblacks-release-quarterback-jonathon-jennings-and-others/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/30/former-redblacks-qb-will-arndt-signs-with-b-c-lions/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/30/official-lions-sign-quarterbacks-vincent-testaverde-jr-and-william-arndt/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/30/lions-sign-will-arndt-contract/

Winnipeg signed Zach Collaros and cut Matt Nichols. Nichols signed with Toronto, as did McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/27/bombers-sign-quarterback-zach-collaros/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/27/qb-zach-collaros-can-earn-nearly-1-million-from-new-contract-with-bombers/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/28/bombers-release-quarterback-matt-nichols/
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/04/official-argos-ink-pact-with-2019-cfl-passing-touchdown-leader-mcleod-bethel-thompson/
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/06/argos-sign-qb-matt-nichols-for-two-years-through-the-2022-season/
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/toronto-argonauts-quarterback-matt-nichols-football-1.5455064
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/04/report-argos-getting-closer-securing-deal-nichols/

Tre Roberson to Chicago.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/28/former-cfl-db-tre-roberson-signs-with-chicago-bears/

James Wilder, Jr., has signed with Montreal.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/30/alouettes-sign-star-running-back-james-wilder-jr/

Montreal let go Antonio Pipken, Tommie Campbell and DeVier Posey. Campbell signed with Toronto.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/30/alouettes-release-qb-antonio-pipkin-ahead-of-roster-bonus/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/31/als-release-devier-posey-tommie-campbell/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/31/alouettes-part-ways-with-db-tommie-campbell-prior-to-february-1-roster-bonus/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/31/alouettes-release-receiver-devier-posey/
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/05/argos-sign-former-alouettes-stampeders-all-star-db-tommie-campbell/

Montreal traded the rights to Bo Lokombo to Toronto for a conditional 8th round pick.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/31/argos-trade-for-canadian-linebacker-bo-lokombo/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/31/argos-acquire-rights-lb-lokombo/

Nick Arbuckle has signed with Ottawa. That will give Calgary the first pick of the draft.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/31/redblacks-sign-quarterback-nick-arbuckle/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/01/31/redblacks-sign-nick-arbuckle/

Edmonton let go Anthony Orange and Natey Adjei. Adjei signed with Toronto.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/01/eskimos-release-db-anthony-orange-before-february-1-roster-bonus/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/01/esks-release-anthony-orange/
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/01/eskimos-release-veteran-canadian-receiver-natey-adjei-instead-of-paying-roster-bonus/
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/03/argos-will-sign-canadian-receiver-natey-adjei-report/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/05/argos-bring-free-agent-db-tommie-campbell-aboard/

Toronto let go Ryan Bomben and Brandon Burks.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/02/argos-release-all-star-calibre-canadian-ol-ryan-bomben-to-avoid-paying-roster-bonus/
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/02/argos-cut-former-nfl-running-back-brandon-burks-prior-to-february-1-roster-bonus/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/03/argos-cut-ties-former-division-star-ol-bomben-rb-burks/

Chris Streveler to Arizona.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/04/official-arizona-cardinals-sign-quarterback-chris-streveler/
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/03/bombers-release-qb-chris-streveler-to-pursue-nfl-opportunities/

Julian Feoli-Gudino has signed with Winnipeg.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/05/bombers-sign-canadian-receiver-julian-feoli-gudino/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/05/feoli-gudino-lyles-sign-bombers/

Sask let go Marcus Thigpen.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/05/riders-release-running-back-marcus-thigpen/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/05/riders-release-rb-marcus-thigpen/

*****

Key 2020 dates
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/27/mark-your-calendars-key-2020-cfl-dates/

*****

Sask has hired more coaches.
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/27/riders-hire-kent-maugeri-as-special-teams-coordinator/
https://3downnation.com/2020/01/27/riders-jason-maas-fills-out-his-offensive-coaching-staff/

*****

Ottawa hired Steve Walsh as its QB coach.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/03/former-riders-qb-coach-steve-walsh-hired-for-same-role-by-redblacks/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/03/redblacks-name-steve-walsh-qb-coach/

*****

Orlondo Steinauer announced his coaching staff.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/06/official-orlondo-steinauer-finalizes-ticats-2020-coaching-staff/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/06/tiger-cats-announce-2020-coaching-staff/

*****

Ryan Dinwiddie announced his coaching staff.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/06/argos-head-coach-ryan-dinwiddie-finalizes-coaching-staff-for-the-2020-season/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/06/argos-announce-2020-coaching-staff/

GA Russell · February 10, 2020

I am not familiar with Montana State University-Northern, but I can tell you that their new DC is Rich Stubler.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/07/longtime-cfl-coach-rich-stubler-hired-by-montana-state-university-northern-as-defensive-coordinator/

*****

The Argos have let go 13, including SJ Green, Sean McEwen, James Franklin, Linden Gaydosh, Jimmy Ralph, Zack Medeiros, Dakota Prukop, Chris Rainey and Jonathan Mincy. McEwen promptly signed with Calgary.
https://www.tsn.ca/toronto-argonauts-release-veteran-receiver-sj-green-12-more-players-1.1439167
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/07/argos-grant-receiver-s-j-greens-request-for-release/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/07/argos-grant-s-j-greens-request-release/
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/07/argos-release-12-players-including-quarterback-james-franklin-and-all-star-calibre-ol-sean-mcewen/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/07/argonauts-release-12-players-including-mcewen-franklin/
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/08/stampeders-sign-calgary-native-canadian-ol-sean-mcewen/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/08/stamps-sign-ol-sean-mcewen/

*****

Team analyses

Sask
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/09/linebacker-receiver-the-riders-main-area-of-concern-heading-into-free-agency/

Edmonton
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/09/edmonton-eskimos-2020-cfl-free-agency-primer/

*****

*****

Free Agency begins Tuesday at noon eastern.

danasgoodstuff · February 11, 2020

Montana State U. Northern is, of course, in the lovely jewel of the highline, Havre which is just shy of 10.000 persons while the school has just over a thousand students. I would've guessed Havre is bigger because it sprawls along US Hwy 2 for quite some distance. I was quite impressed by this little tidbit from MSUN's website:

MSU-Northern is the #1 school in Montana for economic mobility, and #15 in the nation.

Rankings focused on the university's "mobility rate," or the number of students that started college in the bottom 20 percent of income distribution and reached the top 20 percent.

GA Russell · February 12, 2020

Thank you Dana!

Today was the first day of free agency. Although this year's list of pending free agents does not include the type of superstars we saw last year, a huge number of good players changed teams today. Too many for me to list. Here are three links. The first is a series of updates throughout the day. Next comes the list of the players, where they signed, and who is still on the board.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/11/cfl-free-agency-live/
https://www.cfl.ca/fa20/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/11/cfl-cas-top-10-free-agents-still-market/

More tomorrow, including a number of analyses.

*****

SJ Green has signed with the XFL. His contract expires May 31, so he would be free to sign with a CFL team in June.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/10/future-cfl-hall-of-fame-receiver-s-j-green-signs-with-the-xfl/

GA Russell · February 18, 2020

The free agent signings slowed down following Tuesday's splurge. Here are analyses of last week's moves.

league-wide
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/16/looking-winners-losers-open-free-agency/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/11/sudden-impact-team-team-look-free-agency-3/
https://www.cfl.ca/thewaggle#198
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/14/ferguson-comprehensive-look-fa20/
http://rodpedersen.com/cfl-free-agency-recap/
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/which-teams-impressed-who-still-has-work-to-do-after-day-1-of-cfl-free-agency~1897687
http://rodpedersen.com/cfl-free-agency-update/
http://rodpedersen.com/day-2-free-agency-recap-plenty-of-stars-unsigned/

Ottawa
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/17/all-that-was-old-is-new-again-breaking-down-the-redblacks-free-agent-moves/

Toronto
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/17/making-sense-of-torontos-almost-brand-new-roster/

Hamilton
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/17/ticats-stay-wynn-ing-in-free-agency-10-other-thoughts/
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/14/podskee-wee-wee-168-its-a-good-day-to-be-a-ticats-fan/

Sask
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/15/riders-gm-jeremy-oday-true-to-his-word-in-free-agency/
https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riders-offense-a-look-ahead-after-2-days-of-fa
https://pifflespodcast.com/blog/riders-defense-a-look-ahead-after-day-1-of-fa

Calgary
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/14/fa20-dickensons-stampeders-more-active-than-usual/

*****

The Argos and Als exchanged kickers - Crapigna for Bede.
https://www.tsn.ca/toronto-argonauts-trade-k-tyler-crapigna-to-montreal-alouettes-for-k-p-boris-bede-1.1442302

*****

Derek Dennis has signed with the XFL.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/17/former-cfl-most-outstanding-lineman-derek-dennis-signs-xfl-contract/

GA Russell · February 19, 2020

SJ Green will play for Marc Trestman in the XFL.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/18/tampa-bay-vipers-head-coach-marc-trestman-acquires-receiver-s-j-green-in-xfl-trade/
https://www.tsn.ca/marc-trestman-s-tampa-bay-vipers-acquire-wr-s-j-green-1.1444977

*****

Calgary analysis
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/18/stampeders-shocker-john-hufnagel-signs-five-players-on-first-day-of-cfl-free-agency/

*****

John Hodge revisits the 2016 draft.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/18/grading-analyzing-re-selecting-the-2016-cfl-draft/

GA Russell · February 23, 2020

Armanti Edwards has signed with the XFL.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/19/cfl-receiver-armanti-edwards-signs-with-the-xfl/

*****

Free Agent analyses

league-wide
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/21/landrys-5-takeaways-free-agency/

BC
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/19/analyzing-and-grading-the-b-c-lions-free-agent-moves/
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/17/upon-review-bc-lions/

Calgary
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/20/upon-review-calgary-stampeders/

Toronto
https://www.cfl.ca/2020/02/22/oleary-cancon-make-interesting-argos-lineups/

GA Russell · February 23, 2020

Arizona's GM has called Chris Streveler "a legend in the CFL." Uh oh. The guy was the Bombers' second-string quarterback for two years. I predict bad things to result from this case of over-selling.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/16/arizona-cardinals-gm-steve-keim-quarterback-chris-streveler-is-a-legend-in-the-cfl/

*****

Four guys are running to replace Jeff Keeping as the union's president. Keeping is stepping down. The candidates are Solomon Elimimian, Keon Raymond, Agustin Berrenechea and Peter Dyakowski.
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/21/cfl-players-association-president-jeff-keeping-will-not-seek-another-term/
https://www.tsn.ca/jeff-keeping-won-t-seek-re-election-as-cfl-players-association-president-1.1446547
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/22/american-canadian-candidates-running-to-be-the-new-cfl-players-association-president/

*****

Team analyses

Hamilton
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/23/ticats-create-cfl-superteam/

Ottawa
https://3downnation.com/2020/02/23/redblacks-confident-schemes-can-trump-talent-especially-for-receivers-and-pass-rushers/

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MSU-Northern is the #1 school in Montana for economic mobility, and #15 in the nation.

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