Same late thoughts on Marshall/Berry firings

            I had written a few weeks ago that changes to the Riders’ coaching staff would not be the answer for this team.  However, after seeing how Greg Marshall conducted himself on the sidelines in his final game against Toronto, I must say he appeared in over his head.  Not only could he not control his frustrations (blaming almost everything on the refs, it seemed), but he could no longer control his team.  The Riders had way too many unnecessary penalties.  Under Austin and Miller, the Riders were known for playing disciplined football ("too many men on the field" being the exception). 

But it was more than that.  In his final media scrum after being fired, Marshall still wouldn’t concede that he may have been part of the problem.  This is a little surprising for a 1-7 coach who had “no answers.”  Coaching is clearly about communicating, and he failed to garner confidence in his responses to the media.

            Doug Berry was also fired, which I think is the most unfortunate.  Berry was a positive force in the organization, but rarely received recognition because of the baggage he carried with him from Winnipeg.  While he and Durant experienced frustration this year due to the new receiver regiment, Durant can’t lay the blame solely on Berry.  It takes time for a new, less talented receiving corps to gel.  There were problems much bigger than Berry, with Durant and his receivers all sharing some of the blame.  The media and public were way too easy on Durant for implying that Berry was part of the problem.

Nevertheless, as my brother has said, Durant does need a healthy does of coddling.  Whether it’s a phone call from his dad, or the reassurance of another quarterback like Marcus Crandell, he needs the support.  A new quarterbacks coach would likely pay off handsomely for someone like Durant.  Throw in a sports psychologist, and he’s set.

            In the meantime, Ken Miller takes on the role of offensive coordinator and head coach.  This presents an interesting structural org chart, where Miller the offensive coordinator is under Miller the Head Coach who is under Brendan Taman the GM who is under Miller the VP of Football Operations.

            Will Miller, who now has his hands in everything, turn things around?  With the lack of talent, I seriously doubt it.  Unless our receiving corps can improve considerably and our defence can make a miraculous resurgence, I still see a 5-13 season on the horizon.

            As much as I’d love to put on the green-coloured glasses.