**Hamilton Tiger-Cats Make Coaching Changes, Hire Former Edmonton Elks Coach**
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have made another coaching change, parting ways with defensive coordinator Mark Washington and bringing in former Edmonton Elks head coach and general manager Chris Jones to take over as the new defensive play caller.
This move comes as part of a series of coaching staff changes for the Tiger-Cats, who are trying to find a way to improve their season performance. Earlier this year, the team had also dismissed their special teams coordinator. On Monday, the Tiger-Cats announced that they and Washington had mutually agreed to go their separate ways. Alongside this, they confirmed the hiring of Chris Jones as a senior defensive assistant coach, with Jones assuming play-calling duties for the defense for the remainder of the season.
Tiger-Cats head coach Scott Milanovich expressed his gratitude to Washington for his contributions to the team. “I’d like to recognize Coach Washington’s important achievements throughout his tenure in Hamilton and thank him for his hard work and dedication,” Milanovich stated. “Decisions like this are difficult to make, but I believed it was important to take a different approach at this time. Coach Washington is an outstanding man. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”
Washington had been with the Tiger-Cats since 2019, previously serving as a defensive backs coach and then as a defensive coordinator for the BC Lions from 2008 to 2018.
Milanovich spoke highly of Jones, praising his experience and defensive expertise. “It’s exciting to add someone of Coach Jones’ caliber to our staff, given his extensive experience and proven effectiveness on the defensive side of the ball. We look forward to the positive impact his knowledge and leadership will bring to the team,” he said.
Jones and Milanovich have a history together; Jones served as Milanovich’s defensive coordinator when they were both with the Toronto Argonauts in 2012 and 2013. Jones later became the head coach of the Edmonton Elks, where he spent eight years coaching both the Elks and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, achieving a career record of 61-70 and winning the Grey Cup with Edmonton in 2015.
The Tiger-Cats have struggled defensively this season, ranking seventh in total defense and last in points allowed per game (33.4). Jones also faced challenges earlier this year with the Elks, who started the season 0-5 before he was fired as head coach and general manager.
The Tiger-Cats will look to bounce back when they travel to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday night.
Leave a Reply