"RedBlacks Add Blugh"

At the time that the coaching staff was named, I noticed that there was no defensive line coach specified.  I assumed that one of the other assistants or coordinators would take care of the position (such as defensive coordinator Mark Nelson).

The RedBlacks pulled a surprising move today is announcing the hiring of Leroy Blugh to handle that position on the staff.  Man knows a thing or two about the position.  Read on.

OTTAWA - Leroy Blugh, a standout Canadian defensive lineman for 15 Canadian Football League seasons, has joined the Ottawa REDBLACKS as the team's defensive line coach. 

The 47-year-old Blugh, who grew up in Napanee, played with the Edmonton Eskimos (1989-2000) and the Toronto Argonauts (2001-2003) before becoming a coach. 

He was head coach at Bishop's from 2005-2010 and served as an assistant for two seasons with the Queen's Golden Gaels before joining the Eskimos for the 2013 season as Edmonton's tutor of the defensive line.   

"We're excited to welcome Leroy to our REDBLACKS family," said head coach Rick Campbell. "Leroy knows what it takes to play defensive line at a high level in the CFL. His extensive playing and coaching experience will be invaluable to our football team."   

Blugh hoisted the Grey Cup with the Eskimos in 1993, was a CFL West Division all-star in 1996 and 1998, and was named the league's outstanding Canadian in 1996.

How did he do as a coach?  Here's a portion of an article (found on cfl.ca) in regards to Blugh stepping down from that post.

Blugh, arguably the greatest Gaiter of all-time, was the Gaiters' head coach from 2005-10, and compiled a 19-30 regular-season record (19-33 overall). He presided over the resurgence of the Bishop's University football program and its return to national prominence. 

In 2007, Blugh was named QUFL Coach of the Year, as he led the Gaiters to a 5-3 record, their first winning record since 1995, and a tie for second place in the league.

That record is not great, granted, but requires a little scrutiny.  Check out his year-by-year results.

2005: 1-7
2006: 1-7
2007: 5-3, (0-1 in playoffs) QUFL Coach of the Year
2008: 3-5
2009: 5-3, (0-1 in playoffs)
2010: 5-4, (0-1 in playoffs)

Bishop's was 1-7 in 2004 prior to his arrival then after he left, they dropped to 3-6.

Coaching a CIS program and being a pro position coach are very different beasts, no doubt, but based on his record, it would appear that Blugh has something to offer.